**Everton have opened talks over extending Jarrad Branthwaite’s stay.**
Branthwaite continues to attract interest from several Premier League big hitters after Manchester United saw successive bids rejected for him last summer.
Tottenham are the latest to be linked with a move for the England international as their new manager Thomas Frank attempts to put his stamp on the club.
But the Blues have made steps to safeguard Branthwaite’s long-term future despite having two years remaining on his current contract, signed in October 2023.
Since arriving from Carlisle United in 2019, the 22-year-old has become an established figure for David Moyes’ side, making 84 outings in all competitions.
Moyes previously described Branthwaite as one of Everton’s current crop who he was determined to retain despite the growing interest in the centre-back.
“Good players will always be linked with moves away, especially good young players,” he said in April.
“But you have to remember Jarrad’s got a three-year contract left. He’s got two years and a year’s option.
“So if anything, Everton hold all the cards regarding that player.
“But I have to also say over the journey I’ve had over many years at Everton ,we’ve had to sell different players from Wayne Rooney to Mikel Arteta to Joleon Lescott.
“Apart from being a football manager, especially at certain clubs you have to sell on the journey to try and build as well.
“But I wouldn’t think that Jarrad one of the players I would want to lose, that’s for sure.”