Chelsea are reportedly weighing up a move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, but new Toffees boss David Moyes is reluctant to sanction a sale, according to the Daily Mail.

The Blues are in the market for a centre-back this summer, and Branthwaite has emerged as a prime target. However, Everton’s defensive depth is already stretched with James Tarkowski recovering from hamstring surgery, making Moyes wary of letting the 22-year-old leave.

Manchester United were previously leading the chase for Branthwaite, having two bids rejected last summer — the second totalling £50 million. Everton reportedly value the England international at around £70 million and have shown no willingness to drop their asking price.

Chelsea, however, are now seen as a more attractive option for Branthwaite due to their qualification for next season’s Champions League — a key factor for the player, who is eager to prove himself at the highest level. That gives the Blues an edge over United in the current race.

Branthwaite made his senior England debut in June last year but was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s first Three Lions squad for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Albania and Latvia — a decision that could further fuel his desire to play European football consistently.

Despite Chelsea’s interest and Champions League status, Everton’s reluctance to sell — coupled with their high valuation — means negotiations will be anything but straightforward.