Ruud van Nistelrooy has urged PSV Eindhoven to sign Jarrad Branthwaite 'very quickly' as the on-loan Everton defender continues to impress.
Everton confirmed Branthwaite had joined the Dutch giants on a season-long loan deal back in July. The centre-back joined the Blues from League Two club Carlisle United, his hometown team, during the 2020 January transfer window.
Branthwaite has so far made 13 first-team appearances for Everton, scoring one goal, and signed a new contract in December 2021 that could keep him at the club until 2025. However, this month alone, Manchester United, AS Roma and even Liverpool have all been linked with the England under-20 international.
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But former Manchester United forward Van Nistelrooy is hoping his side can secure the centre-back on a permanent basis in the summer, as he believes the 20-year-old would benefit from staying at a club willing to offer him regular first-team football.
“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.”
Speaking earlier this week, Branthwaite, who has scored three times in PSV’s last two games, revealed the Eredivisie club do not have the option to buy him as part of the loan agreement he and both clubs signed in the summer.
“For now, it is only a loan. There is no purchase option in my contract. It is a nice compliment that PSV wants to keep me," he revealed.
“I am really enjoying myself here, so I would definitely consider a longer stay at PSV. We’ll see if it works out. My contract in Everton runs until 2025. That’s still a long time and they will undoubtedly have a plan with me.”
Speaking to Dutch publication Eindhovens Dagblad back in December, Branthwaite described PSV and the Dutch league as a 'good stage' for his continued development.
He said: “This is just a very nice club, PSV. There are many committed people who want to form a family club together. I ended up in a pleasant team.
“This is a beautiful environment for me in all respects and, moreover, this competition is a good stage for further growth as a footballer. I am very satisfied here.”
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