Fresh Everton twist drops as Manchester City stance emerges for Jarrad Branthwaite transfer

Manchester City have no plans to make a bid for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite this summer, according to Manchester Evening News.

Writing on their website (3 July), the news outlet report that claims City have been moved to make an offer for the 21-year-old are wide of the mark as there is "no space" for Branthwaite in their squad.

Pep Guardiola's side are "not interested" in testing the Toffees' resolve for the centre-back as they already have five "world-class" options in the position and are prioritising strengthening other areas of the squad.

Everton to keep Jarrad Branthwaite for 2024/25

There is plenty of interest in signing Branthwaite from clubs all over Europe, but it seems very clear now that it's going to be Manchester United or Everton for him next season.

The Red Devils have made a bid of £43million but saw it rejected without hesitation as Sean Dyche's side hold out for a £70million valuation, which United have zero intention of meeting [Dharmesh Sheth, 17 June].

That suggests that unless there is a huge change in the air in the coming months, Branthwaite is going to wearing an Everton shirt for the upcoming campaign in news that will come as a huge boost to fans who were worried about losing their biggest asset.

City have the money to spend if they really want Branthwaite but they have plenty of talent in that position already and have different priorities, so they may become an issue to Everton's will to keep the England international in the future.

But for now, they will be confident of keeping the star defender at Goodison Park this summer and don't have to worry about City testing them.

In other Everton news, the Toffees want to sign this 3-cap international midfielder amid an £8.4m update.

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