Securing Jarrad Branthwaite to a new contract was seen as an early test of the vision being presented by Everton, Joe Thomas writes in his Royal Blue column

The left-footed centre-back has become one of the most coveted players in Europe - tying him to a five-year deal is a coup for Everton

Everton have got a major boost as Jarrad Branthwaite has committed his future to the club by signing a new five-year contract. The England international defender was the subject of two bids from Manchester United last summer, which Everton rejected, and they have demonstrated their determination to keep the 23-year-old by tying him down until 2030.