‘Final stages’: Fabrizio Romano now confirms Everton are close to confirming major deal

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Everton appear to have reached a breakthrough in tying starlet Jarrad Branthwaite down to a new deal.

The 21-year-old has recently attracted transfer interest from Manchester United and Manchester City, but Everton have been handed a major boost as he is now closing in on a new long-term contract.

Fabrizio Romano has now confirmed that a deal is close to agreement, which will be a welcome boost ahead of Saturday’s crucial match against Bournemouth.

Branthwaite close to new deal

Romano has taken to his Twitter account to confirm the news, whilst Sean Dyche has also hinted that the deal should be completed soon.

“Jarrad Branthwaite, close to signing new deal at Everton — agreement now at final stages,” Romano tweeted.

“Sean Dyche confirms: ‘I think things are probably close now, we have been speaking to him for a while.'”

Major boost for Everton

Such positive news coming out of the club should give the team and fans a boost ahead of Saturday’s game against Bournemouth.

This is a game that Everton cannot afford to lose, with Bournemouth one of just two winless sides this season.

The fans at Goodison Park need to be on their best form on Saturday, and the news surrounding Branthwaite can hopefully give them a bit of positivity to feed on.

Branthwaite is the kind of player that Everton should be aiming to build their future around – young, talented, and passionate about the club.

For too long, Everton have signed older players who performed poorly, particularly in defence, and having someone like Branthwaite alongside James Tarkowski can hopefully provide enough quality at the back to help survive this season.

Whilst there is some way to go in terms of improving the defensive performances of the defensive unit, keeping hold of Branthwaite is a step in the right direction for Everton.