Bad news for David Moyes as Champions League side lead the race to sign Everton star this summer

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Everton have seen their fortunes turnaround in the Premier League with a five-game unbeaten run now on record.

David Moyes has done a superb job since returning to Merseyside as he has the Toffees sitting 13 points above the relegation zone.

However, Everton will already be eyeing up the summer with plenty of player turnover expected due to their contract situations.

Kevin Thelwell has hinted towards a big summer at Everton with the Blues seeing their constraints with PSR ease up.

There are numerous players who are set to depart Goodison Park at the end of the season.

However, there may now be one unexpected departure with a Champions League side keen to land one of Moyes’ prized assets.

• READ MORE: Exciting talks already underway at Everton with the Friedkin’s summer plans shared

Real Madrid place Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite top of shortlist

Jarrad Branthwaite has been praised as ‘excellent’ under Moyes with the young centre-back once again showing why he is so highly rated.

But his recent performances in the Premier League may well have been catching the eye of one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

According to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid have now put Branthwaite at top spot on their summer wishlist.

The list also includes Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth and Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate as Carlo Ancelotti eyes a younger defender.

It is even suggested the interest could be difficult for Branthwaite to ignore as he wants to test himself at that level.

However, Everton News understands that Branthwaite is open to signing a new contract at Everton having been impressed by Moyes over the last month.

But, of course, if a club the size of Madrid comes knocking, it may prove difficult for the centre-back to ignore.

• READ MORE: David Moyes thinks he’s discovered a ‘diamond’ at Everton over the last week at Finch Farm

The Friedkin Group need to keep Branthwaite

Heading into the new stadium in the summer, things are finally looking up for Everton with the Friedkins at the helm.

However, losing a player like Branthwaite is something which would set a real negative tone for the upcoming season if it was to happen over the summer.

Everton are not expected to be restrained by PSR in the summer transfer window, which suggests no big sales are needed.

And Branthwaite has proven his value under Moyes with the defender looking like a real leader in the 61-year-old’s backline.

Of course, it would provide Everton with more money to spend, but it would also create a huge hole in the side that would need filling.