Report: Manchester City want Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite

By Jordan Harris

Manchester City want Jarrad Branthwaite, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Premier League champions are monitoring the Everton starlet as they look to target more homegrown players.

Branthwaite has been in and around the Everton first-team all season. The 19-year-old made six appearances in the top-flight as Frank Lampard’s side narrowly avoided relegation.

He looks to have an incredibly bright future ahead. Michael Keane previously labelled the teenager a ‘brilliant‘ player. And it would be no surprise if Lampard hoped to use the centre-back more often next season.

However, perhaps Everton may face a battle to keep Branthwaite at Goodison Park before the new campaign arrives.

The Daily Mail reports that City are interested in signing the £750,000 Everton starlet. It is noted that Pep Guardiola’s men are keen to sign more homegrown prospects. They also want Ben Nelson from Leicester City.

Manchester City want Jarrad Branthwaite

It may come as a surprise to some that Manchester City want Branthwaite. His Everton career is yet to really get up and running. The Toffees lost 5-1 in his most recent appearance. And he was sent off against Brentford before that.

However, it was not an easy time for Lampard to throw him in. Everton’s top-flight status was hanging by a thread for much of the second-half of the season.

But there is no question that he is a very talented player.

It would also be interesting to see what Branthwaite would make of the Manchester City links. Obviously, many would struggle to turn the club down.

However, Branthwaite is much closer to the first-team at Everton than he would probably be at City. He would surely have to expect to leave on loan if he made the move.

That may seem worthwhile for the former Carlisle starlet. But Everton may also fancy their chances of staving off any interest from the champions.