Manchester City have joined Manchester United in the race for the services of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Sun.
The Red Devils have had the defender on their radar for almost a year and have already submitted a £45 million bid for him.
However, it was swiftly rejected as Everton want £80m for Branthwaite, and Man City are now looking to pounce.
The 22-year-old is very keen on moving to Man United this summer despite their failure to qualify for the Champions League. However, City’s interest could change his mind.
Man City manager Pep Guardiola is impressed by Branthwaite’s ability to play out from the back and his defensive qualities.
The chance to win major silverware at the Etihad Stadium club could tempt him to ditch his dreams of joining Man United.
The Red Devils could return with an improved offer, but they may not be able to outbid their city rivals due to their need to balance the books.
Everton must sell players to comply with Profit and Sustainability Rules but will not let them go on the cheap.
They are no longer under any pressure to sell fast having sold Ben Godfrey to Atalanta and Lewis Dobbin to Aston Villa.
Man United want Branthwaite and Bayern Munich centre-back Matthijs de Ligt and talks have already opened with the Netherlands international’s representatives.
The Everton star won 32 tackles, played 1,371 passes and scored three times in 35 games last term, emerging as one of the best defenders in the English top-flight with his consistency and reliability.
He has the potential to become a world-class defender, and Man City are aware of that, which could prove problematic to Man United’s chances of landing him.
