'Everton pull off absolutely massive Jarrad Branthwaite deal' - fans explode

Everton are ready to put a stop to the speculation surrounding Jarrad Branthwaite's future in a move which has shocked their fans.

Branthwaite has been the jewel in Everton's crown for the past two seasons and attracted transfer interest since his first-team breakthrough in 2022–23, with several Premier League big-hitters keen.

Man United are big fans of Branthwaite and saw several "derisory" bids rejected by Everton last summer, but that hasn't dampened their interest 12 months on after his performances for the Toffees last season.

Stefan Borson tipped Everton to accept offers in the region of £60million for Branthwaite this summer, but Chelsea's interest in the 23-year-old has been met with even more resistance by Everton so far.

Branthwaite 'close' to new contract after Everton breakthrough

Everton have so far rebuffed Chelsea's efforts to tempt Branthwaite with the offer of Champions League next season, and looked instead to tie their star centre-back down to a new contract on Merseyside.

Former Man United scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 24 June that Everton were "confident" in their attempt to sign Branthwaite up to a long-term deal, and that attitude is now set to pay dividends.

Sky Sports' Lyall Thomas reported via X on 27 June that Everton were "close to finalising" Branthwaite's new contract at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and that an announcement could be made in the next week.

Branthwaite is expected to sign a contract until 2030 and become the faces of a new-look Everton in a new home ground next season, and David Moyes' side look set to retain the England international.

Everton fans respond to Branthwaite news - 'signing of the summer'

Brown told Football Insider in April that he fully expected Branthwaite to pen a new contract at Everton this summer, and the Friedkin Group look set to make a "huge" statement by re-signing the defender.

Toffees fans were unanimous in their praise of the club for "keeping our best player" for the next 12 months at least, though several accepted that Branthwaite could still be sold for big money next summer.

Everton's previous £100million valuation of Branthwaite will now carry much more weight as the centre-back prepares to remain a Blue for the next five years, and any interest club will now have to stump up a huge fee to have any chance of signing him.