Manchester City to rival Manchester United, Real Madrid for £60m centre-back?

Branthwaite, 21, has been a vital player for the Toffees during the 2023-24 campaign, making 31 appearances in all competitions, including 25 outings in the Premier League.

The centre-back impressed during a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last season before returning to Goodison Park, and he has been a vital player for the Merseyside giants since the third matchday of the current Premier League campaign.

Man United and Real Madrid are both believed to be keen on signing Branthwaite during this summer's transfer window, with Everton seemingly bracing themselves for offers.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Man City are also keen, with the Citizens keeping a close eye on the developments surrounding the Englishman.

The report claims that Pep Guardiola's side have registered their interest in Branthwaite, with Everton believed to be willing to let him leave for a fee of around £60m.

The defender started his youth career with Carlisle United, joining the club at the age of eight, progressing through the various age groups before penning a professional deal in February 2019.

Branthwaite featured on 14 occasions for Carlisle before making the move to Everton, and he played 13 times for the Toffees before being sent on loan to PSV for the 2022-23 campaign.

The defender made 36 appearances for the Dutch outfit, helping them to win the KNVB Cup, before heading back to his parent club with a view to breaking into the side.

Branthwaite is currently with the England squad, and he is expected to make his senior debut for the Three Lions in Tuesday's international friendly with Belgium.

The defender will then head back to Everton to prepare for Saturday's huge league game with Bournemouth.

The Toffees are without a victory in England's top flight since the middle of December, and they are currently down in 16th position in the table, four points above 18th-placed Nottingham Forest.

Everton's position when it comes to Branthwaite would undoubtedly be weakened if they are relegated this season, but the defender has a contract at Goodison Park until June 2027.