Everton are plotting a new contract offer for Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reporter Fabrizio Romano. The Red Devils have reportedly had two bids turned down for the centre-back this summer.

In this latest update regarding the United-linked star, journalist Romano has posted on X: "Everton are preparing new contract proposal for Jarrad Branthwaite after rejecting two proposals from Manchester United. Club determined to keep Branthwaite unless huge bid arrives but Man United have no intention to pay PS75/80m. New deal proposal to be sent this summer."

Securing Branthwaite to a fresh deal would be a massive boost for Everton as they gear up for another year in the Premier League under Sean Dyche.

Dyche said earlier this year that he has no doubts the player will remain level-headed despite intense speculation surrounding his future: "There won't be a problem with that.

"He's come in, hasn't changed, loads of good reviews and rightly so since he came back (from PSV), lots of man of the match awards. He's signed a new deal (last year), don't forget, been with the Under 21s and been pretty steady among all that. But you do want him to change in a positive way, come out of himself more and keep thriving on it, building his own on-pitch persona.

He added: "I had Tarky (James Tarkowski) and Keano (Michael Keane) when they were young (at Burnley), they started expressing themselves as individuals with the way they play and then as leader types."

Branthwaite ended up missing out on Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2024 as England ended up losing in the final to Spain in Berlin. Brighton and Hove Albion's Lewis Dunk was preferred to him. The 22-year-old, who has made one cap for the Three Lions so far in his career, started his career at local team Carlisle United.

He rose up through the academy ranks of the Football League side and was a regular for them at various different youth levels. The Wighton-born broke into the Cumbrians' first-team in 2019 and went on to play 14 games for the League Two club before Everton came calling.

Branthwaite was loaned out to Blackburn Rovers and PSV by the Toffees to get some experience under his belt. He has since established himself as one of their key players and they could face a battle to keep him in the future.

United have recently snapped up Leny Yoro in Branthwaite's position. The 18-year-old has played 60 matches for Lille and will be looking to show what he can do in England now. He has committed his future until 2029, with the option of a further 12 months.