Hugo Viana identifies £70M Everton defender as Man City’s John Stones replacement

A move would depend on an exit from current Etihad Stadium defensive department
Everton to demand £70M+ for England star, with David Moyes prizing Branthwaite highly

Manchester City are among the clubs monitoring Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the summer window, though any move would be dependent on an outgoing sale at the Etihad Stadium.

Branthwaite has been one of the most coveted young centre-backs in the Premier League for some time, with Manchester City having been linked with the England international two years ago before he committed his future to Everton.

The 23-year-old has continued to develop into one of the division’s most reliable defenders under David Moyes and Everton are set to demand in excess of £70 million for him this summer, with Moyes prizing Branthwaite highly and the Toffees under no pressure to sell one of their most important assets unless a substantial offer is tabled.

Report: City tracking Branthwaite but move hinges on exit

As reported by Mail Sport, Manchester City are among the clubs watching Branthwaite closely, though a move would depend on a player leaving and an offer north of £70 million required to prise the centre-half away from Everton.

The condition of an outgoing sale is significant, with City having already moved to retain both Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol this summer amid interest from across Europe in what were Pep Guardiola‘s preferred starting pair in central defence last season.

Any pursuit of Branthwaite would therefore likely require a departure from City’s existing centre-back options, with the club’s defensive group having been a settled area heading into Enzo Maresca‘s first season in charge – with the Blues moving to announce the Italian as Guardiola’s replacement as soon as possible.

Moyes’ high regard for Branthwaite and Everton’s strong financial footing mean City would face a considerable challenge in negotiations, with the Toffees holding firm on a valuation that reflects the defender’s quality and age.

What is the wider context for City’s defensive plans?

City’s central defensive department currently features Dias, Gvardiol, Marc Guehi, Abdukodir Khusanov and Nathan Ake. Dias and Gvardiol are considering their future(s) at the Etihad Stadium and there is a feeling Ake will leave this summer too as he enters the final year of his contract.

The interest in Branthwaite suggests City continue to monitor the market for elite young centre-backs regardless of their current depth, a recruitment approach consistent with director of football Hugo Viana‘s strategy of identifying high-ceiling profiles before they reach peak value.

Whether the situation develops will depend largely on outgoing business, with Ake having been linked with a move away and any sale potentially opening the door to a fresh addition in the position.

For now, Branthwaite remains a player City admire rather than actively pursue, with the financial and squad conditions required for a move meaning the Everton defender is unlikely to be a priority unless circumstances at the Etihad Stadium shift in the weeks ahead.

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