Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is poised to sign a new five-year contract with the club.
In a statement of intent for David Moyes‘s second tenure at the club, Everton have moved to secure the England international to a new deal at the manager’s behest.
Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea had all shown varying levels of interest in Branthwaite, who turned 23 on Friday, but Everton have been insistent he was not for sale this window as Moyes looks to build on his strong finish to last season.
Moyes wants to bring in around six new faces so wants to maintain a degree of continuity in a defence that has been the bedrock of recent Premier League survival battles.
Moyes also has captain James Tarkowski recovering from hamstring surgery so Branthwaite’s presence and commitment to a contract with much improved terms holds greater significance.
Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite is poised to sign a new five-year contract with the club
Liverpool, Spurs and Chelsea had all shown varying levels of interest in the central defender
The new contract is a statement of intent for manager David Moyes’s second tenure at Everton
Jake O’Brien has filled in in Tarkowski’s absence, but Moyes would still like cover in that position as he also strives to bring in Fulham’s Kenny Tete as a free agent at right back.
Fulham have made a counter offer to keep the Dutchman yet Moyes hopes he will be persuaded by the prospect of being part of a new dawn at Everton as they move to their new stadium on the Mersey waterfront.
Branthwaite remains ambitious to play Champions League football with England Thomas Tuchel impressing upon him the importance of making a step up in World Cup year.
He now hopes what promises to be a reshaped Everton can start challenging at the top end of the Premier League table.
Meanwhie, Everton’s Seamus Coleman has signed a new one-year contract as he heads into his 17th season with the club.
Coleman joined the club from Sligo Rovers in 2009 for just £60,000 and has made 428 appearances and holds the club record of 369 Premier League games.
‘I love Everton so to continue playing for this special club means everything to me and my family,’ said Coleman.