Manchester City react to fresh Jarrad Branthwaite links as Manchester United feeling emerges | OneFootball

Those within the Etihad Stadium have been left ‘surprised’ by the latest round of media reports linking Manchester City with an interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Englishman was snubbed by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate for the ongoing European Championships in Germany this summer, thus providing himself and his representatives more time to mull over his club future.

Whilst Manchester United have been the most heavily linked club when it comes to signing the defender, reports earlier this month claimed that Premier League champions Manchester City could yet enter the fray for his signature.

City are known to be admirers of the player’s abilities and held a watchful eye over his development from his time at Carlisle United, ultimately opting against bringing the player into the Etihad Stadium operation before Everton.

However, despite those reports and any building hope of Manchester City moving forward for Branthwaite, a new report has issued a word of caution over the player and any potential move to the Etihad Stadium this summer.

According to the information of Manchester City insider ‘Tolmie’s Hairdoo’ on X, those within the Premier League champions are ‘surprised’ by the latest links to Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

It is explained that whilst it is true sporting director Txiki Begiristain ‘likes’ the Merseyside man, the Manchester City recruitment chief also knows that the player’s agent is ‘very close’ to Manchester United’s Jason Wilcox, and has been ‘intent’ on taking him there for ‘months’.

For now, Manchester City’s transfer ambitions and goals will remain on other areas of the pitch, with the understanding in some quarters being that the club are focussing attentions on central midfield, right-wing, and possibly a new left-back.

Bruno Guimaraes and Joshua Kimmich appear to be the primary targets in the centre of the park, whilst there could yet be movement in the way of outgoings as Matheus Nunes remains heavily linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia.

The Portugal international may not be the only player headed to the Middle-East from the Etihad Stadium however, with claims this week suggesting that Ederson is the subject of a staggering €60 million contract offer from Al Nassr.