Everton have announced that central defender Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new contact with the club until the summer of 2027.
The 21-year-old's future has recently been the subject of much speculation, with Manchester United believed to be huge admirers of the England Under-21s international.
There had been claims that the Red Devils were considering making an offer in January, but it has now been confirmed that the defender has penned a new deal at Goodison Park, ending the speculation surrounding a potential exit next year.
Branthwaite spent last season on loan at PSV Eindhoven, featuring on 36 occasions for the club, while he has made six appearances for Everton this term, including five outings in the Premier League.
"The stature of the club, how much of a family it is at Everton and how I just love playing here in front of the fans were key reasons for me signing," Branthwaite told evertontv after his new deal was announced on the club's official website.
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"To sign this new contract was to show the commitment I have for the club and show how much it means to me to play for Everton.
"Since I joined, I've felt a connection with the club. The fans have been really good with me. For the first game I played, the cheer I got when my name was read out just gave me massive confidence to go out there and play my best game.
"Since I got in the team, the fans have shown me real support and that gives me confidence, especially for a young player. I can't thank them enough."
Branthwaite has also revealed that he was contacted by Everton boss Sean Dyche during his loan spell in the Netherlands.
"I think it shows the type of person he is, ringing me while I was on loan with a different team," said the defender. "It shows the care he has for the players and how he wants to have everyone together as a team.
"When I came back to the club, we had a chat and it was just about if I train as hard as I can and show the quality I have, then I'll get a chance.
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"When the manager and Kevin Thelwell (director of football) have full confidence in you, it makes you feel like you're welcome here and I know I can go on the pitch when the manager puts me out there and he has full belief in me. It's a massive factor in signing the contract.
"In the games I've had, I've given everything I've got and performed to a good level. I think once the points start coming our way which our performances have deserved more from, we can push up the table as well.
"Last season, I went away to PSV and played 30-odd games and I've improved massively as a player, so I think the more games I play, the better I'll get.
"The best way to improve is to keep playing as many games as possible and keep training hard and listening to the manager. Being at such a young age, it's about progressing as a player, keep playing for this magnificent football club in front of our fans and hopefully this season pick up some good results."
Branthwaite has started Everton's last five Premier League games, having been introduced into the side following the 4-0 loss at Aston Villa on August 20.
Matt Law
