Everton 'open contract talks with Jarrad Branthwaite'

The central defender has quickly formed a fine partnership with James Tarkowski in Sean Dyche's backline, helping Everton to back-to-back victories this week.

Branthwaite was drafted into the starting XI after Everton's heavy 4-0 loss at Aston Villa on the second weekend of the season.

However, Everton's upturn in form since his inclusion in the side saw the Toffees beat a similarly strong Villa side 2-1 in the EFL Cup on Wednesday.

In both wins this week, firstly at Brentford before the midweek win at Villa Park, Everton have restricted their opponents to very few chances, with Branthwaite earning rave reviews from pundits and fans.

Branthwaite's current deal runs until the summer of 2025, and Everton have an option to extend that for a further 12 months.

However, The Athletic claims that the club are keen to tie Branthwaite down on fresh terms, which will likely mean a longer deal.

After starting just five games, Branthwaite now appears to be one of the first names on the team sheet, which is mildly surprising given how close he may have been to leaving over the summer.

The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, and helped them to a second-place finish in the Eredivisie and KNVB Beker glory, despite scoring an own goal in the final.

PSV were reportedly interested in signing the England Under-21 international permanently, but failed to meet Everton's valuation.

While not a regular in the side - playing just 90 minutes once across the tournament - Branthwaite was also part of the England side which won the Euro Under-21 Championship over the summer.

Now keeping Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey out of the Everton side, Branthwaite is set to feature again as the Toffees welcome Luton Town to Goodison Park on Saturday.

Everton still remain down in 15th in the Premier League and have lost all three home games so far this season 1-0, but with two winnable home games on paper before the international break, they will hope to be in a stronger position before returning for the Merseyside Derby.