PSV boss Van Nistelrooy has described Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite as a complete defender as he hopes to keep the 20-year-old beyond next season with Manchester United, Liverpool and Roma also keeping tabs on the Everton defender.
The 20-year-old left-sided centre back has impressed while on loan at PSV Eindhoven and has been improving under the tutelage of his coach, former Man United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
After signing for Everton from Carlisle United in 2020, the centre-back went on to make 13 appearances for the Toffees and scored one goal against Chelsea before being sent to PSV on loan at the start of the campaign.
Since then, the 20-year-old has impressed in his 20 games for the Eredivisie side, netting three times.
And with both his loan deal and his Everton contract being up at the end of the season, PSV boss Van Nistelrooy has admitted he’d like to keep the Carlisle-born star beyond the summer.
Speaking to ESPN after Wednesday’s last-16 tie in the KNVB Beker cup, the ex-Man United manager said: “We would like [to keep him beyond this season].
“He is a great talent. The boy is 20, but he has a future.
“He is good on the ball, can play on the left or the right of centre-back because he is two-footed. He has height and speed, so he is very complete.”
Van Nistelrooy’s comments come after Branthwaite was watched by a number of big hitters in PSV’s cup tie – including the PSV boss’s former club Man United.
The young defender scored twice and was named Man of the Match in the 3-1 cup victory over FC Emmen in front of the interested parties.
PSV sporting director Marcel Brands knows Branthwaite well having bought him while at Everton for just £1m from Carlisle United. They reportedly made a £15million bid for the youngster in the January transfer window following his impressive start at the club, but Everton turned it down.
The Mail confirmed both Man United and Liverpool are monitoring the Cumbrian, with Jose Mourinho’s Roma also retaining an interest.
Branthwaite’s future is likely to hang in the balance for the time being, with the outcome of Everton’s relegation battle likely to sway the decision on where the 20-year-old ends up next.
