There was a report yesterday that Branthwaite would be happy to sign a new contract, but so far the club haven't begun talks.

Surely Friedkin must get this lad signed to a new contract with no get-out clauses. If we ever hope to get back towards the top, keeping Branthwaite is paramount.

Brian H, I would wait until the transfer window has closed, then get Branthwaite to talk about a new improved contract.

Any refusal will have the sharks circling, and the media doing everything they can if Branthwaite refuses a new contract.

I think the player is level-headed and talks during the closed window will give Everton and the player time to thrash out something.

Agree about Branthwaite.

Now the Friedkins are in it is imperative we tie Branthwaite to a long-term deal and give him good money. I understand he's on one of our lowest salaries. As they say, get the spine of the team sorted and build around them.

Unless Harrison and Lindstrom improve dramatically, send them back at the end of the season.

Mangala is doing well and may be worth watching.

I'd love Branthwaite to stay but I doubt his agent would let the chance go to earn some big money for his client and himself.

It would be nice if he stays long-term… I can't really see it though!

Dave,

Most likely we won't keep Jarrad Branthwaite for all or even most of his career but I think it is entirely possible, under our new owners, to sign him to a new contract. That needs to put him on a salary more suitable for his status but probably also include a release clause that is not too onerous.

He is only 22 so has time and he, if not his agent, will be aware of the very many occasions 'coming' players move to a bigger club and then it goes south. It's happened to quite a few of ours, for every Rooney (who really was exceptional) there will be several relative flops.

He can still make his move by the time he reaches his mid-20s, by which time he will also have shown more of his capabilities. It needs our new owners to sell him a vision, and who knows, maybe in a couple of years we might no longer be a club good players want to leave...

Retaining Jarrad would be the biggest signal of intent the new owners could show.