Pundit's summer prediction for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite

The former Goodison Park hitman and Sky Sports pundit said he wouldn't be surprised if Everton boss Sean Dyche gives the Cumbrian defender a chance in pre-season.

Branthwaite is currently on loan with PSV Eindhoven where his form has attracted interest from a host of big clubs.

The ex-Carlisle United player, who yesterday pulled out of the England's Under-21 squad through injury, has been linked with Manchester United, Liverpool or Roma.

The 20-year-old's future remains the subject of speculation and Branthwaite, from Wigton, last week told the Mirror that, while he was firmly focused on his football, he could not help but notice the rumours.

Campbell told Goodison News that Dyche and Everton will still hold all the cards when it comes to a player who is under contract until June 2025, with an option for a further year.

“It all depends on what the manager wants to do. Sean Dyche hasn’t seen him play," said Campbell.

“He [Branthwaite] hasn’t worked with him so Sean Dyche might say to himself, ‘I want to see what he’s like in preseason’.

“You can never have enough good, young centre-backs. 

“So with a player like that, I think there’s a few at the back there whose contracts are up as well. 

“It might just be, ‘You’re coming back. You’re going to be a squad player and [when] you get your chance you play’.

“I’m sure Ruud van Nistelrooy would like to keep him but luckily he’s an Everton player and Sean Dyche will have the final say on that.”

Any big-money move for Branthwaite would be of interest to his first club Carlisle United, who stand to benefit through s ell-on clause following his move from the Blues to Goodison in January 2020.

Branthwaite was last week handed his first Under-21 call-up to join fellow Cumbrian James Trafford in the squad.

But an injury suffered in his recent outing for PSV meant he had to withdraw from Lee Carsley's squad to take on France and Croatia this Saturday and next Tuesday respectively.