Manchester City are now involved in the competition to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The Premier League champions have entered the race for the 24-year-old England international, who is valued by his club at a reported £80 million.
This development comes as Pep Guardiola's side sits second in the Premier League table with a perfect record of four wins from four games. They have scored eight goals and conceded just two, with their latest result a 5-0 victory over Norwich City last Wednesday.
Defensive reinforcement
Interest in Branthwaite signals a potential move to bolster City's defensive options. The left-footed centre-back has established himself as a key figure for Everton and earned his first senior England caps last season. His potential acquisition would add another layer of competition to a backline that has started the season strongly.
Everton's valuation is understood to be a significant hurdle for any suitor. The Merseyside club is under no pressure to sell one of its most prized assets, setting the stage for a complex negotiation if City's interest becomes concrete. No official bid has been lodged by the Manchester club at this stage.
City's recruitment team is constantly monitoring the market for opportunities to strengthen the squad. The club's strong financial position, coupled with their status as perennial title contenders, makes them an attractive destination for top players.
Current form and focus
On the pitch, the team's focus remains immediate. They host Sunderland this weekend, looking to extend their winning run to six matches across all competitions. Erling Haaland leads the scoring charts with four goals, but the attack has been shared, as shown in the comprehensive win over Norwich where five different players found the net.
The club has not commented on the speculation surrounding Branthwaite. Any potential deal would be subject to the usual processes, including a medical and personal terms. City's next fixture is at home to Sunderland on Sunday, 20 September.
