Manchester United and Real Madrid could supposedly be offered the chance to sign Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite for a cut-price fee this summer.
The 21-year-old has been a shining light in an otherwise forgettable campaign for the Toffees and is garnering interest from some of Europe's most revered clubs.
After impressing on loan with Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven during the 2022-23 season, Branthwaite has become James Tarkowski's first-choice centre-back partner and has one goal from 20 Premier League starts in the current campaign.
That solitary strike came against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend, where Branthwaite headed home from a last-minute free kick to rescue a 2-2 draw for the Toffees, whom he now has two goals in 39 games for in all tournaments.
The 6ft 4in defender has also collected two major trophies in the embryonic stages of his career, collecting the KNVB-Beker crown with PSV last season before playing one match in England's Under-21 European Championship triumph.
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Back in October, Everton protected Branthwaite's value with a long-term contract extension until the summer of 2027, but the Toffees are still at serious risk of suffering their first-ever relegation from the Premier League.
Owing largely to their 10-point deduction, Dyche's men sit 18th in the standings - one point behind Luton Town having played a game more - and their next assignment is a daunting trip to champions Manchester City on Saturday lunchtime.
According to Football Insider, the Toffees could find themselves in a position where they will need to let Branthwaite leave for a cut-price fee at the end of the season, as since their original deduction, they have been charged with another breach of Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules.
Potential demotion to the Championship and a proposed takeover by 777 Partners collapsing would also boost suitors' chances of striking a deal for a reasonable fee, and Man United are currently believed to be leading the charge.
As things stand, only Lisandro Martinez's spot at Old Trafford is safe for the 2024-25 season, as Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are both out of contract this summer, while Victor Lindelof and Harry Maguire's situations are yet to be resolved either.
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However, Real Madrid will be expected to provide stiff competition for Branthwaite's signature, as Carlo Ancelotti bids to consign this season's defensive woes to history.
Los Blancos lost Eder Militao to a devastating ACL injury at the beginning of the campaign, and they have since seen David Alaba ruled out for the rest of the season with a similar issue.
In addition, Antonio Rudiger missed the weekend's draw with Atletico Madrid due to a hamstring concern, leaving Nacho Fernandez as Ancelotti's only recognised centre-back against the Rojiblancos.
Fernandez - who was partnered by Dani Carvajal for that Madrid derby - was promoted to club captain last summer, but the 34-year-old is now in the final six months of his Bernabeu contract.
Ben Knapton
