Real Madrid could reportedly battle Manchester United for the signature of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite during this summer's transfer window.
The Red Devils are believed to have identified the 21-year-old as their leading defensive target this summer, with the Englishman impressing for Everton in the Premier League this season.
Branthwaite, who is in the current England squad, has made 31 appearances for the Toffees during the 2023-24 campaign, scoring twice, with 25 of those outings coming in the Premier League.
Everton have the defender on a contract until June 2027, but the Merseyside club are seemingly facing an uphill task when it comes to keeping hold of him due to the growing interest in his services.
Man United are considered as the favourites for Branthwaite, but according to journalist Dean Jones, Real Madrid are also in the race, with the Spanish club's head coach Carlo Ancelotti handing the youngster his debut during his time in charge of Everton.
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"In the event that he does actually make a transfer, I would be cautious about ruling out Real Madrid. I'm not saying they are favourites to sign him, but I do believe their interest in him is genuine and it does make some sense," Jones told GIVEMESPORT.
"Carlo Ancelotti not only knows him from when he was at Everton, but gave him his debut. He rated him back then and is apparently impressed by the way he has continued to grow.
"I think the fact that Branthwaite has spent time on loan at PSV [Eindhoven] also says a lot about him as a person and puts extra faith in the fact he could adapt to playing in a different country.
"At the moment, it still makes more sense that he would end up at another Premier League club, but if we are to look at another option, I do believe Real Madrid's intent to be real."
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Branthwaite had a successful loan spell at PSV during the 2022-23 campaign before heading back to Goodison Park last summer.
Man United are expected to sign at least one centre-back this summer, although it is possible that two could arrive, as both Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans are out of contract at the end of June, while Victor Lindelof is also currently being linked with an exit.
Real Madrid, meanwhile, have Antonio Rudiger, Eder Militao, David Alaba and Nacho as their senior centre-backs, but the latter is out of contract at the end of June.
Militao has only played once this season due to an ACL injury which he suffered in the team's campaign opener, while Alaba will be out until next term due to the ACL problem that he picked up last December.
Everton are believed to value Branthwaite at £75m, although the club's position would be weakened if they were relegated from the Premier League this season.
