Jarrad Branthwaite signs new four-year deal with Everton despite receiving interest from Man United who considered a January move for the defender

Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new four-year deal at Everton as the defender is rewarded for positive performances since returning from a season-long loan at PSV Eindhoven last term.

The 21-year-old, who joined the club from hometown team Carlisle United for just £1million in 2020, has been a mainstay in Sean Dyche’s back line in recent weeks alongside James Tarkowski.

Mail Sport reported on Wednesday that the defender was closing in on a new agreement and Branthwaite has now been rewarded with a new contract at Goodison Park ahead of a crunch match with Bournemouth on Saturday.

It comes after Mail Sport also revealed how Branthwaite was on Manchester United’s radar for the January transfer window as they consider a move for a new centre-back. 

‘The stature of the club, how much of a family it is at Everton and how I just love playing here in front of the fans were key reasons for me signing,’ said Branthwaite. ‘To sign this new contract was to show the commitment I have and show how much it means to me to play for Everton.

Branthwaite has been a mainstay in Everton’s defence in recent weeks – producing some impressive displays

His new contract comes despite interest from Man United who considered a January move

‘Since I joined, I’ve felt a connection with the club. The fans have been really good with me. For the first game I played, the cheer I got when my name was read out just gave me massive confidence to go out there and play my best game.’

Everton host Bournemouth having lost every single home match this season in the Premier League, scoring just one goal. But Sean Dyche said on Branthwaite: ‘We made it clear that we wanted him to come back in pre-season and to do what he does in front of us.

‘Because you can only tell so much through a screen as the stories we heard were very positive. He missed a bit of pre-season, which is unfortunate, to get him up to real fitness but he’s come into the side and has done well.

‘He’s still got a lot to learn, not over-coaching but there’s some pointers that I’ve given him and some reminders as he matures as a centre-half and I think he’s a very good player. I think he will continue to feature as long as he keeps working hard.’

Branthwaite starred for PSV in the Dutch Eredivisie and he was happy that Dyche consistently was on the phone to check up on his progress. ‘I think it shows the type of person he is, ringing me while I was on loan with a different team,’ he added on Dyche.

‘It shows the care he has for the players and how he wants to have everyone together as a team. When I came back to the club, we had a chat and it was just about if I train as hard as I can and show the quality I have, then I’ll get a chance.

‘In the games I’ve had, I’ve given everything I’ve got and performed to a good level. I think once the points start coming our way, which our performances have deserved more from, we can push up the table as well.

Branthwaite said the ‘family’ environment and his ‘love’ for playing in front of the fans were big factors for his decision 

Branthwaite returned to Everton after impressing out on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season

‘Last season, I went away to PSV and played 30 odd games and I’ve improved massively as a player, so I think the more games I play, the better I’ll get. The best way to improve is to keep playing as many games as possible and keep training hard and listening to the manager.’

Everton director of football Kevin Thelwell, said: ‘Jarrad is an excellent player with huge potential and his new contract is richly deserved after the way he has played for us so far this season, having gained key experience on loan at PSV last term.

‘It is a great boost for Everton to have a young player with Jarrad’s talent commit his long-term future to the Club. His performances so far this season have impressed everyone and given a glimpse of his exciting potential.’