By Gabriel Agbonlahor

7th Oct, 2023 | 10:50am

Agbonlahor: Branthwaite 'is not Man United standard' after he agrees 'big' Everton deal

Gabby Agbonlahor has urged Jarrad Branthwaite to show his worth over a whole season after agreeing a bumper new Everton deal.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, backed elite sides to take a “closer look” at the 21-year-old if he gets a good full season under his belt at Goodison Park.

Everton announced on Friday that Branthwaite had penned a new four-year deal running until 2027.

Football Insider revealed last Saturday (30 September) that Everton were set to hand Branthwaite a bumper new contract and sources have said that he has been handed a big pay rise that catapults him into the next bracket of earners at Goodison Park.

The England Under-21 international, who had previously been set to be out of contract in June 2025, is the subject of interest from Man United and other Premier League sides.

Branthwaite has started each of the last five Premier League games for Everton alongside James Tarkowski at the heart of the Merseysiders’ defence.

The Carlisle United academy product played his first full season of senior football on loan at PSV last term, making 37 appearances as they won the Dutch Cup.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “At this stage, he needs to focus on getting that consistency.

“He’s shown he is a good defender, but I don’t think he’s at the level where Man United would go out and buy him.

“He needs a whole season where he’s not out the side and he’s putting in good performances most weeks.

“Then, I’m sure, teams will come and take a closer look at him.

“But he can’t get carried away with a few good games. Now he has signed the new contract, he needs to show his worth over the whole season.”

In other news, Everton in advanced talks to agree deal with controversial Aston Villa partner.