Paul Joyce: Everton want to open further talks over star man's future

Everton want to open “further talks” with Jarrad Branthwaite over another new contract, Paul Joyce reports.

Writing for The Times website on 3 October the journalist said that the Toffees aim to reward the 22-year-old for his progress, despite his current deal running to 2027.

Branthwaite had summer groin surgery and missed the opening seven games of the season in all competitions before returning for the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace on 28 September, but has now picked up a new injury.

The centre-back was subject to multiple bids from Manchester United during the transfer window, and has since been linked to Liverpool [Daily Mail, 1 October].

Manchester United and Liverpool linked to Everton star

Outwardly the Toffees have maintained a pretty calm position on Branthwaite’s future as they rejected advances from Old Trafford and were widely reported to be unmoved unless an offer came in for £70million or more [David Ornstein, 13 July].

But behind the scenes they have clearly been busy looking to secure their position as the England international only signed his last extension a year ago, and it appears talks have already been held over another.

He would have been the obvious focus if Everton were forced into a big-money sale due to financial pressures [Kieran Maguire, 31 July], but The Friedkin Group’s expected takeover should blow away such a threat.

He is not the difference alone but Branthwaite’s importance to Sean Dyche’s side was made clear by a first win of the Premier League season as soon as he returned to the line up, with the manager’s job under pressure thanks to some dismal results prior.

Extending the defender for at least a couple more years makes perfect sense for the club to retain control over his future.

But if he does have an eye on moving at some point in the next few years they may have to pay him big money to agree to giving up that control.

For the new owners it is surely an obvious priority to priorities the future of a star man, so talks may advance quickly once the Americans come in.

In other Everton news, Dan Friedkin is set to pump 10s of millions into the club before the takeover is completed.

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