Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a bumper new contract at Everton.

The former Carlisle United defender has committed his future to the Goodison Park club until the summer of 2027.

Everton have moved to reward the 21-year-old for his impressive recent Premier League performances.

The Toffees have also looked to safeguard one of their prized young assets in the face of persistent transfer speculation.

Reports this week linked Manchester United and Manchester City with the Wigton star.

But the England Under-21 international has now put pen to paper on a four-year deal at Everton.

Speaking on the club's website, Branthwaite said today: “The stature of the club, how much of a family it is at Everton and how I just love playing here in front of the fans were key reasons for me signing.

“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.

“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.

“Since I got in the team, the fans have shown me real support and that gives me confidence, especially for a young player. I can’t thank them enough.”

Branthwaite, a former Carlisle academy product who was sold to Everton in January 2020 and whose agent is the ex-Blues captain David Reeves, impressed on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season and soon earned a first-team place under Sean Dyche this campaign.

He said he enjoys having the "full confidence" of Dyche, while director of football Kevin Thelwell said: “Jarrad is an excellent player with huge potential and his new contract is richly deserved after the way he has played for us so far this season, having gained key experience on loan at PSV last term.

“It is a great boost for Everton to have a young player with Jarrad’s talent commit his long-term future to the club.

“His performances so far this season have impressed everyone and given a glimpse of his exciting potential.

"We look forward to him getting even better in the years ahead in the royal blue of Everton.”