Jarrad Branthwaite wishes to extend his contract with Everton.
According to the Mail Online, despite increased interest, the defender will put pen to paper on a new contract.
Branthwaite joined Everton for £1 million from Carlisle United three years ago and has struggled to break into the first team for the bulk of his career.
Prior to his breakthrough this season, the 21-year-old had made 10 Premier League games but had truly struck the attention with a fantastic loan spell at PSV.
His brief spell at Blackburn Rovers was less prominent, but Branthwaite went on to make 36 appearances and score four goals for the Eredivisie team, and was instantly sought on a permanent basis by the club.
PSV weren’t the only club interested in signing him in the summer, with Manchester United also keen in bringing him to Old Trafford before he became a regular for the Toffees.
Branthwaite has now started Everton’s past five Premier League games and has been one of the better performers, prompting PSV and the Red Devils to renew their interest in him, while Manchester City has joined them.
Everton were said to be eager to sign Branthwaite to a new long-term contract in order to retain him at Goodison Park, and it now appears that they may be ready to get their wish.
Branthwaite’s current deal expires in 2025 and has the option for a third, but the England U-21 international is willing to accept the new terms provided in light of his promising play.
Branthwaite may yet leave.
If someone like Man City comes in for Branthwaite, the Toffees will still be very exposed in the January transfer window, but a new contract and a happy player will offer them some hope of keeping him.
It is very uncommon for players to sign new contracts and then leave shortly after, but this often puts their club in control and allows them to escalate their demands for the player’s departure.
Everton will be desperate to keep Branthwaite, but they may make a tidy profit if he decides to join a European powerhouse.
Replacing him may be the more difficult assignment, and it would not be worth the money if his departure resulted in relegation.
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