Speculation surrounding the future of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has picked up real pace over the last two weeks.
Things had been running too smoothly for Everton of late with the Toffees on a nine-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.
David Moyes has welcomed his international representatives back to Finch Farm ahead of the upcoming Merseyside Derby against Liverpool.
Everton saw Iliman Ndiaye and Dwight McNeil return to training following their respective injury issues of late.
Two significant boosts for the Toffees going into the final weeks of the season.
But the speculation surrounding Branthwaite’s future is something the Blues could really do without given how well things have been going.
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Photo by Dan Istitene/Getty Images
Jarrad Branthwaite spotted loving life in Everton training
Over the weekend, it has been suggested Branthwaite would be open to joining Manchester United over the summer window.
The centre-back has played a prominent role in Moyes’ success since January with game time clearly no issue for the 22-year-old.
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Everton released footage from their latest training session at Finch Farm as the players all return from the international break.
Despite the rumours, Branthwaite looked to be in good spirits with the defender showing his happiness in the opening seconds of the video.
For Everton fans, this is exactly what they will want to see and could potentially quieten some of the outside noise.
Everton are keen to hand Branthwaite a new contract, which would make him one of the highest earners at Goodison.
Heading into the Merseyside Derby, there does not seem to be any issues with the in-demand centre-back going into the game at Anfield.
England snub is not stopping Jarrad Branthwaite
It was not the international break the Everton centre-back will have been hoping for.
Branthwaite was snubbed by Thomas Tuchel in his first England squad, with the defender having to settle for a spot in the England U21s side.
With nine games remaining in the Premier League, Branthwaite has a big opportunity to prove his worth to the England boss.
Everton will be coming up against some of the Premier League’s top sides across April in which the England boss will surely be keeping a close eye.