PSV Eindhoven have not given up hope of a return for Cumbrian star Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports in the Netherlands.

The former Carlisle United defender enjoyed a season-long loan at PSV last term.

The England Under-21 international is back with parent club Everton and has been on the bench for their opening Premier League games.

Reports earlier this week suggested the Toffees were set to offer the 21-year-old from Wigton a new deal in a bid to ward off transfer interest.

But Dutch journalist Rik Elfrink, who covers PSV for Eindhovens Dagblad, says the club are making a fresh attempt to sign Branthwaite.

They have made "another attempt" for the defender, he said, as they push for a reunion with the Cumbrian who impressed in their side in 2022/23.

Branthwaite watched his former club from the stands when PSV drew 2-2 with Rangers at Ibrox in their Champions League play-off game this week.

The former United youth product has been the subject of continued speculation with reported interest from clubs such as Manchester United, Liverpool and West Ham United.

PSV have been unsuccessful in previous bids to sign Branthwaite permanently, including an attempt midway through his loan spell last season.

Some Everton fans have called on manager Sean Dyche to give Branthwaite a chance after he was left on the bench in both their opening Premier League games.

The Toffees were beaten 1-0 at home by Fulham then 4-0 away to Aston Villa.

The defender, who left Carlisle for Everton in January 2020, is currently under contract at Goodison Park until the summer of 2025.