Transfer Talk: Man City eye Branthwaite as the next Stones

The summer transfer window won’t reopen in Europe for a while yet, but there are plenty of moves in the works and gossip swirling around. Transfer Talk brings you all the latest buzz on rumours, comings, goings and, of course, done deals!

TOP STORY: City circle Everton starlet Branthwaite

Manchester City have joined the race to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail.

The 21-year-old has had an outstanding season for the Toffees and has become a target for a number of clubs around Europe, particularly Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid.

However, while City are already blessed with a number of top central defenders, they see Branthwaite as a rising star, similar to John Stones; a homegrown talent who’s comfortable with the ball and playing out from the back with both feet. Stones made the move to City from Everton for £47.5 million back in 2016.

Branthwaite is valued at around £60m and received his first call-up to the England senior squad for this international window, where he is expected to feature at some point against Belgium on Tuesday night.

Already an established part of the England Under-21s, a solid performance for Gareth Southgate could further burnish the young centre-back’s reputation.

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PAPER GOSSIP

– West Ham United are plotting a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to Football Insider. Arsenal have been long-term admirers of England international Toney, but the Hammers are hoping to make a statement signing of the 28-year-old and beat both the Gunners and Chelsea to his signature. The Hammers want to add a focal point to their attack with Danny Ings‘ future uncertain and Michail Antonio regularly injured. Toney has scored 36 goals in 78 games for the Bees, including four in 10 after his return to action from his ban for gambling offences.

– Juventus are hoping to confirm the signing of Lazio attacking midfielder Felipe Anderson in the next few weeks, according to Calciomercato. Lazio have offered the Brazilian a new contract, but it’s believed the 30-year-old deems it insufficient and is interested in a move to Turin to give himself a better chance of winning silverware. Anderson is out of contract in the summer and Juve’s offer of €3m a season is more than Lazio have proposed, though he is said to be settled in Rome.

– AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan is wanted by a number of top European clubs, but the Rossoneri are hoping to keep the 28-year-old by offering him an improved contract. That’s according to Calciomercato, which says Milan are prepared to double the France international’s wages to €5.5m a year. Maignan is already contracted until 2026, but his consistency has seen him tracked by a number of clubs including Bayern Munich and Chelsea. Milan are hoping their improved offer, coupled with their valuation of close to £100m, will be enough to fend off those interested.

– Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimarães has hinted he will leave the club, but not this summer. Teamtalk says that despite Newcastle’s inconsistent form this season, coupled with their potential need to balance the books, Guimarães is happy in the northeast of England. However, the 26-year-old’s admission that he has “other goals as well of moving” following Brazil‘s 1-0 win at Wembley on Saturday night, has alerted the likes of Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool. Signed in January 2022 for £40m, Guimarães’ elite performances, particularly in European action, have impressed his potential suitors.