Everton are close to finalising a new long term contract for highly-rated defender Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of sending him out on loan in January.
The left-sided centre-back has 19 months left on his current deal but Everton want to tie him down to a new five year contract ahead of increasing interest from other clubs.
Branthwaite was the first signing under Carlo Ancelotti's reign as manager when he joined as a 17-year-old from Carlisle United for £900,000 and was drafted into the first team set up.
Now 19, he spent part of last season on loan at Blackburn Rovers but endured an indifferent time as the Championship side lost form then he injured ankle ligaments.