Everton manager Sean Dyche would not confirm contract talks with a young defender.

The veteran Premier League manager has been integrating Jarrad Branthwaite into his first team this season.

While the youngster, who was on loan at PSV Eindhoven last season, is proving his value to Dyche, the head coach calmed speculation about the defender signing a new contract.

British media reports had suggested Branthwaite would sign a new deal with a pay rise in the coming weeks.

Per the Liverpool Echo, Dyche said: "He's got a long-term deal at the moment, he's settled, playing, going nicely.

"He's another young player, he went out for a season abroad last season and done well.

“He's getting sharper, seeing the picture better but still not over-coaching for sure, he's going along nicely and continues to grow as he is doing."