According to reports, Manchester City have ‘made a move’ to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of arch-rivals Manchester United.

Branthwaite was one of the breakout stars in the Premier League during the 2023/24 campaign after returning from his loan spell in the Eredivisie with PSV Eindhoven.

The 22-year-old struck up a brilliant partnership with James Tarkowski for boyhood club Everton as he emerged as one of the standout young defenders in the Premier League.

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His performances warranted a place in Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad for Euro 2024, but his omission means he’s been able to focus on securing a transfer amid interest from several Premier League clubs.

Ahead of this summer’s transfer window, Man Utd reportedly identified Branthwaite as their top target and have had a bid worth around £35m turned down by Everton. This offer was deemed ‘unacceptable’ by the Toffees.

Put off by Everton’s asking price, Man Utd are understood to have turned their attention to signing Bayern Munich star Matthijs De Ligt as a cheaper alternative.

Fabrizio Romano claims the Red Devils are ‘most likely’ to sign the Dutchman, but the Premier League giants could potentially sign two centre-backs this summer.

As for Brantwaite, a report earlier this week claimed ‘sources indicate that an agreement of around £65 million will be sufficient to finalise the deal for the player’.