Branthwaite signs new five-year deal with Everton | OneFootball

Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite has signed a new five-year contract with the club.

The 23-year-old was often linked with a move away from Merseyside in recent years but he has instead committed his future to the club by signing a new contract.

"I’m over the moon," Branthwaite said about his new contract. "It's been something we've been talking about since the end of the season and to get it signed now is something I'm really excited about.

"The trust the Club's put in me and how many games I've played over the past two seasons has made it quite an easy decision for me to stay and to keep progressing as a player.

"I know the Club. I feel loved by the players – we’ve got a good group here – and the fans. Over the past few years, I’ve seen the impact the fans have on us as a team and how much it means to them. And, obviously, with the new stadium we’ve got here, the new ownership and the new manager, it's an exciting project and it's something I want to be part of.

"Moving to the new stadium together and having that first game at home is something we’re all looking forward to. We want to go again and push for a good season."

Branthwaite played 32 times for the Toffees in all competitions last season after missing the opening games due to injury.