Everton loanee Jarrad Branthwaite has discussed his future at Goodison Park after hitting a good run of form during his temporary spell with PSV Eindhoven.
The 20-year-old central defender has been a subject of speculation following his rise in the ranks of Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.
I told the previous technical director to sign Jarrad very quickly,” he told Dutch publication Voetbal International. “And I say it now to the current one!
“Jarrad has really fought his way into the team. He got his chance and took it. I am satisfied. I see Jarrad as a key player, and that’s how we see him internally.
“We have a lot of young talent, including (Johan) Bakayoko, (Xavi) Simons, Branthwaite and (Ismael) Saibari. Those are guys for the future.
“It’s true that we may have competition in our attempts to keep Jarrad longer. Well, let him develop first. What is extremely important is that he is having a great time at PSV. That is a basic condition if we want to have a chance at all.
Reports have suggested Premier League rivals Liverpool and Manchester United have sent scouts to watch his performances in the Eredivisie with PSV also keen on signing the 20-year-old.
Roma have also been included in the conversation as interested in his services. The left-footed centre-back has also shown more than his defensive capabilities after scoring three goals in two games after his brace in the KNVB Beker against FC Emmen was followed by a goal in their rout over Groningen.
Speaking on his future, Branthwaite, who has scored three times in PSV’s last two games, revealed the Eredivisie club do not have the option to buy him as part of the loan agreement he and both clubs signed in the summer.
“For now, it is only a loan. There is no purchase option in my contract. It is a nice compliment that PSV wants to keep me,” he revealed.
“I am really enjoying myself here, so I would definitely consider a longer stay at PSV. We’ll see if it works out. My contract in Everton runs until 2025. That’s still a long time and they will undoubtedly have a plan with me”
Former Blues manager Frank Lampard opted to send the defender out on loan in the summer with PSV said to have had a bid rejected by his parent club during the January transfer window. Sean Dyche has since replaced the former England midfielder in the dugout at Goodison Park, during a time when the stock begins to rise for the young defender.
