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PSV Eindhoven are ‘trying to continue’ the loan deal for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite beyond January, when he was expected to return to Goodison Park.

That’s according to journalist Rik Elfrink, who says the Dutch side would like to keep Branthwaite until the end of the season as originally planned.

The youngster joined PSV on loan in the summer transfer window, reuniting with former director of football Marcel Brands, the man who signed him for Everton, in search of regular playing time in Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side.

He hasn’t been able to find that, though, managing just three starts in the Eredivisie so far and only 30% of the available minutes.

That’s less than ideal and there has been talk that Everton will look to bring him back, taking advantage of a clause in the loan deal to do so.

It seems PSV want to avoid that happening and Elfrink reports they are ‘talking to Everton’ about the loan deal ahead of next month.

According to him they are ‘trying to continue the rental’ and want the youngster to remain where he is for the second half of the season, presumably seeing him as a player they want to have around.

Whether they can convince Everton is likely to be dependent on how much game time they can guarantee, with the Blues determined for Branthwaite to get them away from the club and continue his development.

If PSV can’t be sure he’ll be a regular in the second half of the campaign there is little reason for Everton to leave him there, regardless of the Eredivisie side’s efforts.