Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has insisted he is more than happy to remain at PSV Eindhoven next season, if the two clubs work out a deal to sell him.
The defender has been speaking to De PSV Supporter, relayed by Soccer News, about his future, which is likely to be a big topic this summer.
He’s spent the season on loan with the Dutch side and after a difficult start established himself as a key player in the first team under Ruud van Nistelrooy.
PSV are keen to keep hold of him if they can and have been talking to Everton for a while in an attempt to work out a transfer deal.
They’re yet to succeed on that front, with Everton setting an asking price that PSV cannot afford and making a deal impossible to get over the line.
It appears they would prefer to have Branthwaite back at Goodison Park next season, particularly as they have let Conor Coady return to Wolves and Yerry Mina is leaving at the end of his contract, opening up space for the defender in their squad.
Now Branthwaite has admitted he is open to staying with PSV next season, although admits it is completely out of his hands.
“I’m under contract with Everton now, so it’s their right not to sell me of course,” he said.
“This season has been all about my development and wanting to perform well in the process. With my first win and holding on to second place I think I can be satisfied.
“I am definitely open to staying at PSV, but then the clubs have to come to an agreement together. I don’t know if it (Everton avoiding relegation) would make a difference either.
“Of course, you prefer to play at the highest level, but if Everton had been relegated and they didn’t want to sell me because they need me, I would play with just as much love in the Championship as in the Premier League.”
