Ruud van Nistelrooy begs PSV to keep forgotten Everton man Jarrad Branthwaite as defender linked with Manchester United and Liverpool

PSV manager Rudd van Nistelrooy has revealed he wants to keep Everton loanee Jarrad Branthwaite beyond this season.

The Toffees youngster is on loan with the Eredivisie club this season, and as his parent club struggle in the Premier League, he has caught the eye of the ‘top six’ clubs.

After signing for Everton from Carlisle United in 2020, the centre-back made 13 appearances for the Toffees and scored one goal against Chelsea before being sent to PSV on loan at the start of the campaign.

Since then, the 20-year-old has impressed in his 20 appearances for the Eredivisie side, scoring three times.

And with his loan deal and contract with Everton at the end of the season, PSV boss Van Nistelrooy has admitted he would like to keep the Carlisle-born star beyond the summer.

Speaking to ESPN after Wednesday’s draw in the KNVB Beker Cup Round of 16, the former Man United manager said: “We would like [to keep him beyond this season].

“He’s a great talent. The boy is 20, but he has a future.

“He is good on the ball, can play left or right of the centre-back because he has two feet. He has height and speed, so he is very complete.

Van Nistelrooy’s comments come after Branthwaite was watched by a number of heavy hitters in PSV’s draw – including PSV boss’s former club Man United.

The young defender scored twice and was named Man of the Match in the 3-1 cup win against FC Emmen in front of interested parties.

And The Mail has confirmed that Man United and Liverpool are watching the Cumbrian, with Jose Mourinho’s Roma also retaining an interest.

PSV reportedly made a £15m offer for the youngster in the January transfer window following his impressive debut at the club, but Everton turned it down.

Branthwaite’s future is likely to hang in the balance at the moment, with the outcome of Everton’s relegation battle likely to influence the decision on the 20-year-old’s next destination.