Jarrad Branthwaite responds to Everton transfer speculation amid Manchester United interest

Jarrad Branthwaite insists his focus is on winning games for Everton and that he is blocking out all the speculation about his long-term future at the club.

The centre-back, who signed a new four-year contract with the Blues until the end of June 2027 back in October, has enjoyed a sharp rise this season establishing himself as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League after spending last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven.

Everton signed Branthwaite from Carlisle United for a fee of about £1million in January 2020, and before PSV, there was also a loan spell at Blackburn Rovers. The ECHO understands that Manchester United are monitoring the 21-year-old ahead of the summer transfer window amid plans to strengthen their defensive options.

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But when asked about the links following the Blues' 1-0 win over Burnley at Goodison Park on Saturday afternoon, the defender revealed he is refusing to get distracted by the transfer rumours.

He said: “You have just got to block it all out. I think if you focus on the outside stuff, you get distracted from what you need to do on the pitch.

“For me now, until the end of the season, I am just focussed on winning games for Everton Football Club.”

Branthwaite saw his impressive form rewarded last month when he was called up to the England squad for the friendlies against Brazil and Belgium at Wembley by Gareth Southgate.

However, despite Southgate saying that Branthwaite was in his squad "on merit" and that he was looking forward to working with him at close quarters, the Three Lions boss opted not to use