Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite has said he is ‘blocking out’ speculation surrounding his future as he concentrates on the club’s bid to avoid relegation from the Premier League.
Branthwaite’s breakout season in the Premier League has attracted interest from rivals clubs, with Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham and Real Madrid all credited as admirers of the imposing young defender.
The 21-year-old has made 36 appearances in all competitions since returning from a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven and was excellent in the club’s 1-0 win over Burnley at Goodison Park at the weekend.
His displays have led to suggestions of big bids in the summer transfer window, as clubs look to capitalise on Everton’s Profit and Sustainability issues.
Branthwaite is aware of the links to top clubs but said he is keen to ignore the outside noise as Everton look to secure their Premier League status for another season.
“You have just got to block it all out. I think if you focus on the outside stuff, you get distracted from what you need to do on the pitch,” Branthwaite said, as per the Liverpool Echo.
“For me now, until the end of the season, I am just focussed on winning games for Everton Football Club.”
Branthwaite’s performances this season earned him first call-up to the senior England squad for March’s international break, though the defender failed to feature in the fixtures with Brazil and Belgium.
He said he was disappointed not to make his England debut but is concentrating on a strong end to the season as he looks to earn a place in the squad for Euro 2024.
“I think it was a good experience for me to be there, disappointed I didn’t get on, but it is one of those things. For me, now, it is just concentrating on myself, playing at a good standard, which got me into that team, and hopefully by the summer I can get into the squad.
“The experience of playing with those high-quality players every day and learning from them… like I said, I was disappointed not to get on the pitch, but it is one of those things.”
