Everton boss Sean Dyche says he's looking forward to working closely with Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite in pre-season.

The defender, who was recently part of England Under-21s' European Championship-winning squad, has been the subject of transfer speculation this summer.

But Toffees boss Dyche has indicated that he wants to take a close look at the ex-Carlisle United man ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

While Everton's pre-season training camp in the French-Swiss Alps is under way, Branthwaite is not part of the group as he and James Garner are being given extra time off after their exploits with the Under-21s.

Branthwaite, from Wigton, shone for PSV Eindhoven on loan last season and has been the subject of reported interest from a number of clubs.

West Ham United were linked with a bid for the 21-year-old recently.

Dyche said: "The Euros win was fantastic for [Branthwaite and Garmer] and many congratulations for their success.

"Both players had very good seasons for different reasons.

"Jimmy was unlucky with injury before I got here but then adapted very well and was incredible mentally towards the end of last season to play wherever we put him.

"Jarrad had a good campaign away from Everton. We’re looking forward to seeing him at close quarters when he’s back, but these lads do need a break as they’ve played a lot of football and they are still relatively young."

Dyche's comments on Everton's website came three days after England's U21 victory over Spain in the final.

Branthwaite played in one of England's games in the tournament - a 2-0 group stage win over Germany.

His fellow Cumbrian, keeper James Trafford, was England's hero in the 1-0 final win over Spain with an injury-time penalty save - capping a tournament where he did not concede a single goal.