Everton will reportedly 'do everything in their power' to keep Jarrad Branthwaite at the club amid suggestions that Manchester United and Real Madrid want to sign him during this summer's transfer window.
Branthwaite has again been a standout performer for the Toffees this season, and his future is currently the subject of much speculation ahead of the opening of the summer market.
Man United attempted to sign the England international last year and are said to retain an interest, while Real Madrid are believed to be huge admirers, with Los Blancos head coach Carlo Ancelotti handing Branthwaite his debut at Everton.
However, according to Football Insider, Everton are confident when it comes to their chances of keeping Branthwaite, particularly with the club set to move to their lucrative new stadium for the 2025-26 campaign.
The report claims that the Merseyside giants are planning to open contract talks with Branthwaite in the near future, and he is likely to be offered a deal that would make him one of the highest earners at the club.
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Everton 'planning to open contract talks with Branthwaite'
Branthwaite's existing deal with Everton is due to run until June 2027, with the option of a further 12 months.
As a result, the Toffees are in a strong position when it comes to the Englishman's future, but interest and potential offers from Old Trafford and Bernabeu will be difficult to ignore.
Man United have other priorities this summer, namely bringing in a centre-forward, but a centre-back is also expected to be signed, with Victor Lindelof and Jonny Evans likely to leave on free transfers.
Lisandro Martinez is also out for the rest of the year with a serious knee injury, and Branthwaite is believed to be viewed by Man United as the perfect player to operate as the left-sided centre-back in a back three.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, are also seeking defensive reinforcements, with David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger both entering the latter stages of their careers, and the Spanish giants are said to be huge admirers of Branthwaite.
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How will the situation play out?
Everton have had their problems in recent seasons, but with David Moyes back at the helm and a new stadium being built, the Toffees are suddenly a very attractive outfit once again.
That said, Man United and Real Madrid are difficult teams to ignore, and it would be only natural for Branthwaite to have his head turned by two of the biggest clubs in world football.
Much will depend on price, as Everton are not looking to sell, and with neither Man United nor Real Madrid likely to be prepared to pay over £60m, all of the signs at this moment are pointing towards the Englishman staying put this summer.
Matt Law
