Jarrad Branthwaite is likely to stay at Everton for at least one more year despite growing interest in his signature ahead of the summer transfer window.

This is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that another year under David Moyes would be ideal for his development.

That is despite interest from Real Madrid which has come as Carlo Ancelotti remains a big fan of the 22-year-old after their time together at Goodison Park.

Branthwaite’s season has been disrupted by a long-term injury and the time taken to recover and get back to his best after returning to the Everton starting XI.

As a result, any interested parties are likely to be deterred from making a big-money move this summer, but will continue to keep a close eye on his progress.

Brown told Football Insider in November that Branthwaite’s Everton performances are being watched by top European clubs, but he will need to prove himself before earning a move away.

Everton plan to keep Jarrad Branthwaite amid Real Madrid interest

Football Insider revealed in November that Ancelotti and Real Madrid are pushing to sign Branthwaite in an effort to resolve their defensive issues.

Brown, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that they are more likely to pursue other targets this summer and make a move next year.

“I’d be surprised to see him leave this summer,” he told Football Insider.

“I don’t think he’s a Real Madrid player quite yet, I’m not entirely convinced.

“A left-sided centre-back is always going to attract interest, but there are others above him in terms of quality who would probably be better suited.

“Branthwaite has done brilliantly at Everton, so I mean no disrespect to him.

“But he’s had that injury and he’s coming back into the side, but I’m not sure he’s quite back to the levels he was showing at times last season.

“He’s still got to prove that before he makes a big move, in my opinion.

“I expect he will do one more year at Everton, keep learning and making progress under David Moyes, and then we’ll see where we’re at.

“That’s his best option at the moment.”

David Moyes leading Goodison Park transfer mission

While keeping their best players including Branthwaite will be key for Everton in the summer, they will also look to strengthen their squad in the transfer market.

Brown, who worked closely with Moyes at West Ham, told Football Insider that the boss is looking to sign the next Illiman Ndiaye at Everton to add further attacking quality to his side.

The 24-year-old has been a revelation since his move to Goodison Park, but their squad is lacking in players who can bring a creative spark to the team in his absence.

As a result, they are set to turn to the transfer market in search of new options as they are already putting plans in place for the summer window.

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