Exit close: Everton player's personal entourage claims he's about to leave for a UCL club

Everton are reportedly set to loan defender Jarrad Branthwaite to PSV Eindhoven, according to Dutch outlet Eindhovens Dagblad (via Sport Witness). 

Signed from Carlisle United in 2020 as a fledgeling teenager, Branthwaite has impressed in the youth ranks and at Finch Farm since becoming a Toffee.

The 20-year-old England youth international spent time on loan at Blackburn Rovers in 2020/21, making ten appearances for the Championship outfit – completing 90 minutes on each outing.

However, having failed to break into Frank Lampard’s immediate first-team plans and following the capture of James Tarkowski on a free transfer, the talented centre-back now looks set to further his development elsewhere…

As per Eindhovens Dagblad, translated by SW, a deal for the one-cap England Under 20 starlet is believed to be ‘close’ to being confirmed by all parties.

It’s claimed that ‘confirmation’ has been secured from the player’s personal entourage and ‘it looks good’ that a temporary transfer will be completed to send Branthwaite on loan to PSV on a season-long loan.

Finally, the report states that the Eredivisie runners-up are ‘well on their way’ to signing the powerful defender, who was described as being ‘strong and composed’ by journalist Sam Carroll during a 2-1 Everton Under 23s victory over Brighton and Hove Albion.

Although in an ideal world Branthwaite would come on leaps and bounds whilst experiencing a new culture, league and indeed UEFA Champions League football whilst in Holland, there is a chance that Lampard could regret sanctioning the youngster’s departure.

Last season, the Blues were far from solid at the back as the Goodison Park defensive department all toiled their way through the season, conceding 66 goals in 38