Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur could reportedly go head-to-head for the signature of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite during this summer's transfer window.
The 21-year-old has been in strong form for the Toffees during the 2023-24 campaign, making 27 appearances in all competitions, and his performances are believed to have caught the attention of a number of clubs.
According to the Daily Mail, while Chelsea, Arsenal and Real Madrid have all been in touch with Everton, the strongest interest is currently coming from Man United and Tottenham.
The report claims that Man United are planning to bring in two young centre-backs this summer, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans potentially both leaving on free transfers.
Branthwaite fits the bill in terms of a home-grown player, while he is a left-sided centre-back, with Red Devils head coach Erik ten Hag often discussing the importance of having one in the starting XI.
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The England Under-21s international came through the youth system at Carlisle United before making the move to Everton in 2020, spending time with Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven before becoming a regular for his Merseyside club.
Branthwaite starred while on loan at PSV last season, making 36 appearances in all competitions, including 27 outings in the Eredivisie, before returning to his parent club.
The centre-back was an unused substitute for Everton's first two matches of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, but he has started 21 of their 22 league games since, only missing out against Burnley in the middle of December due to a suspension.
Branthwaite signed a new deal at Everton last October, with his current terms due to run until June 2027, but the Toffees are facing relegation from the Premier League this season.
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Sean Dyche's side are currently 18th in the Premier League table, one point behind 17th-placed Luton Town in the battle to avoid the drop.
Everton's position this summer would be significantly weaker if they were relegated from the Premier League, while their financial issues could see them forced to accept a cut-price fee.
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou is also said to be determined to sign a young centre-back this summer and is said to be a huge admirer of Branthwaite, having watched him this season.
Man United and Spurs are currently battling for Champions League spots in the Premier League table, with the former currently sitting sixth, six points behind fourth-placed Tottenham.
Fifth spot could also be enough to qualify for next season's European Cup, though, and Man United's 2-1 win over Villa on Sunday moved them to within five points of Unai Emery's side.
Matt Law
