(Football news) The Englishman, who is making an impression for Everton in the Premier League this season, is thought to have been the Red Devils’ top defensive target this summer. He is 21 years old.

During the 2023–24 season, Branthwaite—who is currently a member of the England squad—made 31 appearances for the Toffees, scoring twice. Twenty-five of those games were in the Premier League.

The Merseyside team appears to be up against it in trying to hold onto the defender given the increasing interest in his services. Everton has the defender under contract until June 2027.

Manchester United are considered as the favourites for Branthwaite, but according to journalist Dean Jones, Real Madrid are also in the race, with the Spanish club’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti handing the youngster his debut during his time in charge of Everton. 

“In the event that he does actually make a transfer, I would be cautious about ruling out Real Madrid. I’m not saying they are favourites to sign him, but I do believe their interest in him is genuine and it does make some sense,” 

“Carlo Ancelotti not only knows him from when he was at Everton, but gave him his debut. He rated him back then and is apparently impressed by the way he has continued to grow.

“I think the fact that Branthwaite has spent time on loan at PSV [Eindhoven] also says a lot about him as a person and puts extra faith in the fact he could adapt to playing in a different country.

“At the moment, it still makes more sense that he would end up at another Premier League club, but if we are to look at another option, I do believe Real Madrid’s intent to be real.”

Branthwaite had a successful loan spell at PSV during the 2022-23 campaign before heading back to Goodison Park last summer.

Manchester United are expected to sign at least one centre-back this summer, although it is possible that two could arrive, as both Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are out of contract at the end of June, while Victor Lindelof is also currently being linked with an exit.

Real Madrid, meanwhile, have Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Nacho as their senior centre-backs, but the latter is out of contract at the end of June.

Alaba’s ACL injury from last December will keep him out of action until the next season, while Militao’s injury, which occurred during the team’s season opener, has limited him to just one game this year.

The club’s position would be weakened if Everton were relegated from the Premier League this season, although they are thought to value Branthwaite at £75 million.

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