Both Manchester City and Manchester United are said to be closely monitoring Jarrad Brathwaite.

But the Cumbrian defender is now tipped to sign a new long-term deal with Everton.

Branthwaite's performances for the Toffees in the Premier League continue to attract positive attention.

And latest national reports claim he will put pen to paper at Goodison Park in spite of the fact both Manchester club are keeping their eye on the Wigton star.

MailOnline report that Branthwaite, whose current deal has another two years to run, is "ready" to commit his long-term future to the Merseyside club.

It comes as Everton look to safeguard one of their brightest young assets.

Reports say Branthwaite is very much on Man Utd's radar at a time of uncertainty over the future of Harry Maguire.

The Red Devils have long been credited with an interest in the former Carlisle United prospect.

The same Mail report says champions City are also monitoring the defender's progress along with other top English clubs.

The defender has quickly pushed his way into Sean Dyche's Everton side this season after an impressive campaign on loan at PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23.

Branthwaite, who was also part of England Under-21s' European Championships-winning squad in the summer, has started Everton's last five Premier League games.

PSV have previously been interested in a permanent deal while West Ham United have also in the past been linked with Branthwaite, whose agent is the former Carlisle United striker David Reeves.

Branthwaite's performances early in the new season have come in for praise from his managed Dyche as well as pundits such as ex-Everton and England star Trevor Steven.

Team-mate James Tarkowski also said Branthwaite had all the ingredients to reach the top of the game. "He's calm, technically very good, physical and quick. He's also got size,” said Tarkowski.