Jarrad Branthwaite has agreed to terms with Everton on a new long-term contract, despite interest from Manchester United and Manchester City.
The promising young defender was linked with United throughout the summer and again this week, with Erik ten Hag seeking to recruit him in January due to the club’s injury situation.
City are also thought to be interested in the centre-back who helped England win the U21 Euros this summer.
Any move for Branthwaite, though, has now become more unlikely – and more expensive – as it was announced on Friday that he had signed a new contract with Everton that will keep him at the club until 2027.
‘The grandeur of the Club, how much of a family it is at Everton, and how much I just love playing here in front of the fans were important reasons for me signing,’ said the 21-year-old.
‘I signed this new deal to demonstrate my dedication to the Club and how much it means to me to play for Everton. I’ve felt a connection to the Club ever since I joined.
‘The fans have been wonderful to me. For my first game, the applause I received when my name was called gave me the confidence I needed to go out there and play my best game.
‘When the manager [Sean Dyche] has complete faith in you, it makes you feel welcome here, and I know I can go on the pitch when the manager puts me out there and has complete faith in me. It’s a major consideration in signing the deal.’
Branthwaite, who had a breakthrough season on loan at PSV in 2022/23, was put on the bench for three of the Toffees’ first four games but is now a regular.
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