Securing Jarrad Branthwaite to a new contract was seen as an early test of the vision being presented by Everton, Joe Thomas writes in his Royal Blue column

Former Everton defender Alan Stubbs believes extending Jarrad Branthwaite's contract is the "biggest signing" the club will make in this transfer window. Branthwaite has recently agreed a new five-year deal and Stubbs told BBC Radio Merseyside: "This for me,

The left-footed centre-back has become one of the most coveted players in Europe - tying him to a five-year deal is a coup for Everton