Transfer Talk: Branthwaite on the radar of Premier League giants

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has been at the top of his game under Sean Dyche this season and other Premier League clubs are starting to take notice.

The centre-back, 21, has played 90 minutes in each of the last seven league fixtures for the Toffees having sat on the bench for the first two.

As they prepare to take on West Ham on Sunday, we take a look at why Everton should make the most of their talented No32.

Creating a safety net

Branthwaite's imperious defensive displays in the top flight are well documented — leading to speculation about his future.

But Everton responded to links with Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City by handing their defensive colossus a new deal that runs until 2027.

The club have now put themselves in a strong bargaining position and will reportedly command up to £60million to let their prized talent leave.

Born and bred in Carlisle, Branthwaite has proven to be a bargain buy at just £1m from his hometown club and the League One outfit will be hoping to get their cut from a reported sell-on clause in the future.

Earning his stripes

Although he came away from the Merseyside derby having conceded two goals, Branthwaite earned the praises of Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

And after making eight clearances, three interceptions, two tackles and blocked one shot, it was not surprising to see the German manager rave about the centre-back.

He said: [Everton's] last line [is] super-experienced, and with Branthwaite now a really good left-footed centre-half."

Klopp's claims were backed up by former Liverpool defender John Aldridge, who has urged the club to sign Branthwaite.

He said: "I don't want to upset any Evertonians by saying this, and whether Liverpool would buy from Everton is another matter as it rarely happens, but I certainly think he can go on and become a leading figure and a starter for England."

Setting the pace

Everton have been unfortunate to win just two of their nine matches so far.

Branthwaite has been setting the pace on Merseyside and was pivotal in helping his side keep their only clean sheet against Bournemouth.

No Toffees player has completed more headed clearances than the Cumbrian (17) and he also leads the way for possessions won in the defensive third (31).

The 21-year-old is now in his second season as a regular starter for Everton and they must hold on to him for as long as they can if they are to maximise their chances of survival.

One step at a time

Any player would be flattered to discover links with the Premier League's top guns but Branthwaite is happy to continue contributing at Everton.

After signing his new contract, the England Under-21s international said: "Since I joined, I've felt a connection with the club. The fans have been really good with me. 

"For the first game I played, the cheer I got when my name was read out just gave me massive confidence to go out there and play my best game.

"To sign this new contract was to show the commitment I have for the club and show how much it means to me to play for Everton."

The Toffees will be relying on Branthwaite to put more distance between themselves and the drop zone with a win at West Ham this weekend.