Jarrad deal is an endorsement of Toffees' new era

JARRAD BRANTHWAITE'S new Everton contract took less than a fortnight to secure in a move that was a show of faith by both club and player.

- By JOE THOMAS

Getting the coveted centre-back to buy into the club's vision was seen as a priority in an historic summer for the club.

Achieving that so quickly has provided momentum heading into the start of preseason.

It also represents an early win for both new owners The Friedkin Group and the new-look leadership team that has been trusted with handling a summer of transition on and off the pitch.

Talks formally opened between the Blues and Branthwaite's representatives in mid-June. In reality, they became inevitable 12 months ago amid derisory bids for the player by Manchester United.