Jarrad Branthwaite admits that he'll 'consider' a permanent move to PSV Eindhoven amid interest from Manchester United and Liverpool.
The Everton loanee, 20, has broken into Ruud van Nistelrooy 's side of late and made headlines on Wednesday as he scored two goals in the space of seven minutes during PSV's 3-1 victory over Emmen in the KNVB Cup - from centre-back. Branthwaite's heroics came only hours after a report from the Daily Mail which claimed that both United and bitter rivals Liverpool were set to send scouts over to the Netherlands to watch the left-footed and versatile defender, who's comfortable on the ball, in action.
But PSV are also believed to be keen on keeping Branthwaite beyond this season, with two bids rising to £15million submitted in the January transfer window and rejected by Everton, despite their financial struggles. Jose Mourinho is even said to be an admirer, as Roma reportedly enquired about the Carlisle United youth product's situation.
Now, though, the man himself has responded to the growing speculation surrounding his future, having been asked whether he'd be interested in remaining at PSV for next season. "It's something I will take into consideration, definitely," Branthwaite told ESPN in a chat which has gone viral after the interviewer had to apologise for calling Carlisle, his local city, "the bloody end of the world."
"I'm enjoying my time here, playing games. It's been good this second half of the season. It's something we can look for in the future but I'm just focusing on playing as many games as I can.
Having left boyhood club Carlisle to sign for Everton in January 2020, the Cumbrian prodigy has had a difficult time getting a consistent run of games with the Toffees and is embarking on his second loan spell. Following a brief period of regular game-time under Carlo Ancelotti during lockdown, Branthwaite was loaned to Blackburn Rovers for the second half of the 2020-21 campaign.
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Returning to Merseyside last term, injury issues coupled with Everton's poor form slowed down the 20-year-old's previously rapid development. But after breaking into Van Nistelrooy's first-choice XI following the World Cup break, Branthwaite's stock is on the rise once again.
Standing at a towering 6ft 4in tall, he boasts the technical and physical attributes to play in a variety of positions. Beginning his career in midfield, Branthwaite cut his teeth at Carlisle as a full-back before moving into the centre of defence and impressing thanks to his speed, aerial prowess and ability on the ball.
PSV sporting director and ex-Everton transfer chief Marcel Brands knows Branthwaite well after sanctioning his arrival at Goodison Park three years ago when he was just 17, as the Toffees struck a deal with Carlisle amid interest from Rangers. BBC Radio Cumbria Sport reported at the time that the initial fee was worth £750,000 but could rise to £1.5m with add-ons.
