Manchester City are reportedly preparing to make a major summer move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite as they look to rebuild their backline.

Football Insider reports that City have identified the 23-year-old as a primary target heading into the summer transfer window.

The move is being viewed as a direct response to John Stones’ expected departure from the Etihad Stadium.

Everton are not willing to let Branthwaite leave without a significant fee, with reports suggesting they want around £70m before entertaining any discussions.

That valuation reflects just how highly regarded the young defender has become across the Premier League and beyond.

Branthwaite is young, English, left-footed, and Premier League-proven, a combination that consistently drives up transfer fees for defenders in the modern market.

He also fits the profile that City have traditionally admired, bringing composure on the ball, physical strength, and the ability to play in a high defensive line.

Sky Sports has also reported that Manchester United and Bayern Munich are among the clubs monitoring Branthwaite closely, which only strengthens Everton’s negotiating position.

With three elite clubs tracking him, Everton have every reason to hold firm on their significant asking price and wait for a club to blink first.

Branthwaite signed a long-term contract at Goodison Park last summer, meaning the Toffees face absolutely no pressure to accept anything below their valuation.

If City are serious about securing his signature, they will almost certainly have to meet Everton’s demands in full.

From a purely footballing perspective, the deal makes considerable sense for City, who need reliable defensive cover following Stones’ exit.

Branthwaite would not simply function as a short-term replacement but would represent a long-term investment in the club’s defensive future.

His passing range and composure under pressure would be tested and developed every week in a possession-heavy City side.

At £70m the fee is steep, but if City believe Branthwaite can anchor their defence for the next decade, the investment could ultimately prove worthwhile.

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