Carlisle United chairman Andrew Jenkins has asserted that no concrete bids have been made for Jarrad Branthwaite amid reported Rangers and Celtic interest, as quoted by the Glasgow Times.
In early December, the Scottish Sun reported that both Old Firm clubs and several Premier League sides were tracking the 17-year-old defender with a view to potential January swoops.
The Daily Mail then claimed that The Cumbrians had rejected an offer of £500,000 from Everton.
However, Jenkins has asserted that his club haven’t rejected any bids, as none have been made.
“The Branthwaite saga continues and all I can say is that we have had no concrete bids from any clubs, so most of what you read are agent-led rumours,” he said, as quoted by the Glasgow Times.
“It is up to the club to transfer players in or out, not agents.”
Verdict
Given all the clubs credited with an interest in Branthwaite, who is contracted until 2021 [Transfermarkt], it’s remarkable that an official offer is yet to be tabled.
Perhaps it suggests the Gers wouldn’t actually face that much competition if they made a move.
However, we’ve already questioned why Rangers would go for Branthwaite. After all, there are already four senior central defenders at Ibrox and the club are trying to promote a pathway to the first team for homegrown players like Lewis Mayo and Leon King.
Swooping for a teenager who has only just emerged from the Carlisle United setup would send out the wrong message.
The fact that close to two weeks of the window have already passed and Wilson and co. haven’t made a move, suggests the powers that be at Rangers may be thinking along the same lines.
