Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has admitted that he is trying to focus on his football rather than entertain any speculation regarding his future.
As a result of earning regular game time during a loan stint with PSV Eindhoven during 2022-23, Branthwaite's stock rose considerably ahead of his return to Goodison Park.
Perhaps surprisingly at the time, the Toffees were able to retain his services, turning down the opportunity to generate a sizeable fee for his signature that may or may not have proven significant in their efforts to avoid breaching the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
A points deduction has left Everton down in 15th position in the standings, and a further one for a similar rule-break could follow on Monday.
However, in terms of performances, Branthwaite has been a standout player, contributing to Everton possessing the fourth-best defensive record in the division.
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Manchester United emerge as admirers
Given the level of his displays across his 34 starts in all competitions, the England Under-21 international has naturally attracted interest from some of English football's top clubs.
Manchester United are widely considered to be at the front of the queue, with the Red Devils in need of improving the quality in that area of the pitch as well as lowering the average age.
Youngster Willy Kambwala, at 19, is now viewed as a first-team player, yet Lisandro Martinez is the next youthful at 26, with the other options all being due to be over 30 by the time that next season begins in August.
Speaking after Everton's 1-0 victory over Burnley on Saturday, Branthwaite was asked about constant talk over his future, the central-back insisting that he is attempting to ignore the speculation as much as he can.
As quoted by Liverpool Echo, he said: "You have just got to block it all out. I think if you focus on the outside stuff, you get distracted from what you need to do on the pitch.
"For me now, until the end of the season, I am just focussed on winning games for Everton Football Club."
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Who could rival Man United for Branthwaite?
Of the other interested parties, Manchester City and Newcastle United appear to be the most likely alternatives to the Theatre of Dreams.
That said, while City have the financial firepower to complete the signing, Pep Guardiola is already blessed with a wide array of central-defensive options.
In stark contrast, Newcastle are eager to bolster their talent in that area now that Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles could miss the rest of 2024 with serious knee injuries.
The Magpies are also in a prolonged battle to avoid breaking any of the Premier League's financial rules, realistically making it difficult to shell out what would need to be at least a £60m fee.
Branthwaite, who only penned a contract extension earlier this season, still has over three years remaining on his existing terms.
Darren Plant
