Joe Roberts

Thu 5 October 2023 11:40, UK

Jarrad Branthwaite is set to stay at Everton for the long term despite transfer interest in the summer, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper reported online (4 October) that the 21-year-old is ready to commit his future to the Toffees who are hopeful to keep the England under-21 star at the club with a new deal.

Branthwaite has been monitored by Manchester United and PSV Eindhoven, the latter of which had the youngster on loan last season.

Excellent

For the short term, Everton fans will be happy to keep one of their top performers committed to the club and willing to fight for the shirt. For just £1million, Branthwaite has proved incredible value for money, and his PSV loan last season showed he can play consistently at the top level.

He has taken this form into the new season. Per FBRef, Branthwaite has the joint-highest tackle success rate at the club this season (100 per cent) while having the second-most tackles in the squad (8), just two behind Amadou Onana, showing his significant contribution to the defence.

Financially too, a new deal would be ideal for the Toffees. While Branthwaite’s new contract would likely see a big bump in his wages, the long-term benefit could be huge.

With the likes of Manchester United sniffing around for him, Everton could demand a huge fee for the former Carlisle United man and make a significant profit.

The Mail reported (3 October) that the Red Devils could come in for the centre-back as soon as January, but a new deal before then for Branthwaite would likely ward off interest until at least the summer.

His form this season has been encouraging, and the Goodison Park faithful may be reluctant to depart with such a highly-regarded young star. However, Everton’s financial struggles may force their hands regarding a move, so a contract extension will protect their valuable asset.

In other Everton news, an injury expert has reacted as stitches of a Toffees player popped out causing him to miss several games.