Jarrad Branthwaite says any decision on his long-term future will have to wait until the end of the season.

The Cumbrian defender says he would be open to remaining with PSV Eindhoven, where he is on a season-long loan.

But he says any decision will be made with respect to his parent club Everton, who he also described as “brilliant”.

Ex-Carlisle United star Branthwaite, from Wigton, has impressed in recent months for PSV and has been linked with clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and Roma.

Dutch club PSV tried to sign him permanently in January and have made little secret of their admiration for the 20-year-old.

Branthwaite, in an interview with Dutch outlet NOS, said: “PSV is a massive club and I’m enjoying my time here, so I would be open to something here.

“But obviously my parent club is Everton, and it’s a brilliant club as well.

“It’s a decision at the end of the season. Obviously I’m going back to Everton at the end of the season, so we’ll see.”

Branthwaite has become a regular fixture in Ruud Van Nistelrooy’s team at PSV, with the Cumbrian starring in the Eredivisie as well as the team’s run to the KNVB Cup semi-finals.

His long-term future may have implications for his first club Carlisle, who could benefit from a sell-on clause should he move on for big money.

The defender came through the academy ranks at Brunton Park before being sold to Everton in January 2020.

Recently-appointed Everton boss Sean Dyche made a point of speaking to Branthwaite soon after he took the top job at Goodison Park, and the defender said he appreciated that.

"He wanted to introduce himself and asked me how I am doing and how things are here at PSV. It was a personal conversation, which I really appreciate," he said.

Branthwaite has also spoken of his rapport with PSV director of football Marcel Brands dating from the time of his transfer from the Blues to Everton.

“He signed me from Carlisle, my first club, to Everton, three-and-a-half years ago when I was 17,” he told NOS.

“It was a big step. We’ve had a good relationship from then, and with this [move to PSV] happening, it’s built even more.

“It’s massive. It gives you confidence. When he messaged and called my agent [former Carlisle star David Reeves] and said he wanted me here [at PSV], it showed real belief and that he had trust in me.”

England Under-20 international Branthwaite also explained to the Dutch channel the personal significance of one of his tattoos.

“It’s a flower, for my grandma who died,” he said. “And there’s a ladybird there – on the day of her funeral, a ladybird landed on my blazer.”