By Sean Walsh
Manchester City are 'monitoring developments' regarding Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to a report.
Branthwaite has enjoyed an outstanding breakout season at Goodison Park despite the Toffees' ongoing battle against Premier League relegation, and he is in line to earn his first senior England cap when they take on Belgium on Tuesday night.
The 21-year-old has been heavily linked with an exit from Everton in recent months amid his great form and the club's precarious financial position - they have already been deducted six points for PSR breaches and could yet be docked more before the end of the season.
The Daily Mail report Man City are the latest side to 'post their interests' in Branthwaite, who has only played 35 Premier League matches in his career. The reigning champions are said to be attracted by his age, homegrown status and similarities to John Stones, who made the move from Everton in 2016.
In addition to City, the Mail add that Manchester United, Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur are also interested in Branthwaite.
90min revealed earlier this month that United and Madrid are indeed admirers of Branthwaite, but could be put off by Everton's price tag of at least £70m. However, this could fluctuate based on their Premier League status next season.
United have not yet drawn up a list of definitive transfer targets for the summer window while INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe continue revamp operations behind the scenes, though Crystal Palace's Michael Olise is a name liked by both old and new regimes at Old Trafford.
Madrid, meanwhile, are focusing their attentions on the signings of Kylian Mbappe from Paris Saint-Germain and Alphonso Davies from Bayern Munich. They would only look to bring in a centre-back if they have funds left over to finance such a deal.
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Man City consider entering race for £70m Man Utd & Real Madrid target - report.
