Jarrad Branthwaite will reportedly return to Everton once his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven ends later this year - with reports in Holland describing a permanent move to the Eredivisie outfit as "unfeasible".
The 20-year-old, Carlisle-born defender has impressed during his season-long loan and recently helped Ruud van Nistelrooy's side defeat Ajax to win the Dutch Cup. Branthwaite has also amassed Europa League experience during his spell at the Philips Stadium.
However, despite success in Eindhoven and Van Nistelrooy's eagerness to sign Branthwaite on permanent terms as he looks to navigate the club towards a first Eredivisie title since 2018, it appears the defender will return to Goodison Park at the end of his loan spell. That's according to a new report in Holland, which claims a permanent switch for the defender is "unfeasible".
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According to the Eindhovens Dagblad, talks between PSV and Everton are yet to produce any definite decision on the player's future but the Blues' valuation of Branthwaite, at the moment, is a lot higher than what the Dutch club can afford.
"It is likely that PSV wants to make a lot of selection in this line [defence]," reads the Dutch publication. "Buying Jarrad Branthwaite seems simply unfeasible at the moment: talks between PSV and Everton about a definitive transfer have not yet yielded anything."
Branthwaite has made 33 appearances in all competitions for PSV this season and his outstanding form has seen him linked with moves to both Liverpool and Manchester United. In January, it was claimed the Dutch side had a permanent bid for the defender rejected with Everton reportedly keen to keep hold of the defender despite their precarious financial and Premier League positions.
Speaking in February, Van Nistelrooy hailed the mentality of Branthwaite after a difficult start to life in Eindhoven and publicised his hope of retaining the defender on a full-time basis.
“I told the previous technical director to sign Jarrad very quickly,” he told Dutch publication Voetbal International. “And I say it now to the current one!
“Jarrad has really fought his way into the team. He got his chance and took it. I am satisfied. I see Jarrad as a key player, and that’s how we see him internally.
“We have a lot of young talent, including (Johan) Bakayoko, (Xavi) Simons, Branthwaite and (Ismael) Saibari. Those are guys for the future.
“It’s true that we may have competition in our attempts to keep Jarrad longer. Well, let him develop first. What is extremely important is that he is having a great time at PSV. That is a basic condition if we want to have a chance at all.”
Branthwaite's current contract at Goodison Park expires in 2025.
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