"Those clubs..." - Everton defender admits he's 'noticed' Liverpool and Man Utd transfer speculation

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has admitted he has 'noticed' transfer links to Liverpool and Manchester United.

The 20-year-old, who signed for the Toffees from Carlisle in 2020, joined PSV Eindhoven on a season-long loan at the beginning of the campaign.

Branthwaite has made 10 senior appearances for Everton, and had a mixed loan spell at Championship side Blackburn in 2021.

But it is at PSV where the 6ft 5in centre-back has shown his potential, with a string of impressive performances.

Speaking to Dutch publication Voetbal International, PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy says he sees Branthwaite as a 'key player', and added: "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."

Liverpool, Man Utd keen on Branthwaite

That competition comes from, amongst others, Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United.

The Daily Mail claimed last month that both clubs, along with Roma, sent scouts to watch the 20-year-old in action, and could make a summer move after PSV saw a £15m bid rejected by Everton.

Branthwaite has now broken his silence on the speculation, and confirms that he has been aware of transfer rumours involving him.

However, for now, the defender wants to ensure he finishes the season strongly with PSV.

He told the Daily Mirror: "I think when all of those clubs are interested and watching your games, it's gonna be one of them where you take notice.

"But for me it's just about playing the games. The first half of the season, I wasn't playing as many as I wanted, but now I'm just fully focused on doing that and performing the best I can."

One option for Branthwaite could be to stay at Everton, if the Toffees stay up and manager Sean Dyche regards him as a first team player for next season. The 20-year-old says he is hopeful of that being the case if he does stay at Goodison Park.

However, there is likely to be keen competition for the centre-back's services - and Liverpool and United will hope to be near the front of that queue.