Real Madrid is now interested in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite for January, which means that INEOS’s investment in Manchester United’s defense will have to deal with new competition.

Madrid wants to fill in some holes in their defense, and they see Branthwaite and Tottenham’s Cristian Romero as obvious options. Since Romero probably won’t leave in the middle of the season, Madrid may only be interested in Branthwaite and could offer more than United can in January.

Everton turned down two offers for Branthwaite over the summer, but United has been interested in him for a long time. The Toffees were originally demanding £70 million, but they may change their minds because of money concerns, Madrid’s interest could make the price go up.

This competition makes the transfer market more competitive, as Madrid is said to want to get back at United for outbidding them on Leny Yoro last summer.