Everton have reportedly placed a £100m asking price on Jarrad Branthwaite amid claims that both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are keen on his signature.
The 21-year-old was a substitute for Everton's first two matches of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign, but he has been an ever-present since, playing the full 90 minutes in 14 straight league matches before being forced to sit out the game with Burnley last weekend through suspension.
Branthwaite signed a new deal at Goodison Park in October, with his contract running until June 2027, but there remains speculation surrounding his future.
Man United are set to sign at least one new centre-back next year, but it is likely that two will arrive, as Jonny Evans and Victor Lindelof are both out of contract in June 2024, while Raphael Varane continues to be linked with a move to Saudi Arabia.
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Tottenham are also looking to boost their centre-back options, and the club are said to have been alerted to Branthwaite's performances this season.
However, according to inews, Everton have made it clear that the defender will not be allowed to leave Goodison Park unless an offer of £100m is submitted.
The report claims that Branthwaite is expected to be a regular for England in the years to come, and the Merseyside club are not under pressure to make any January sales despite their recent 10-point deduction in the Premier League for breaking financial rules.
Branthwaite came through the youth system at Carlisle United before progressing to their first team, making 14 appearances for the club ahead of a switch to Everton.
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The defender only made 13 appearances during his first three seasons at Goodison Park, though, and he represented Blackburn Rovers on loan during the 2020-21 campaign.
Branthwaite then had a successful loan spell at PSV Eindhoven last season, featuring on 36 occasions in all competitions, before returning to Everton with a view to becoming a first-team player.
Man United were also credited with an interest in the England Under-21s international over the summer, but Everton made it clear that he was not for sale.
Branthwaite has helped the Toffees keep clean sheets in his last three league appearances, while he was also involved in the EFL Cup quarter-final loss to Fulham earlier this week.
Matt Law
