Jarrad Branthwaite has missed out on the Premier League's young player of the season shortlist despite his outstanding season for Everton.

The 21-year-old from Wigton is a controversial omission from the six-man shortlist published today.

Branthwaite has been a regular at the back for the Toffees with his displays earning widespread praise as well as a recent full England call-up.

But that was not enough for the awards judges.

They have instead awarded places on the shortlist to Tottenham Hotspur's Destiny Udogie and Arsenal's William Saliba, who join the Gunners' Bukayo Saka, Chelsea's Cole Palmer, Manchester United's Kobbie Mainoo and Manchester City pair Erling Haaland and Phil Foden in the running.

Branthwaite has made 39 appearances for the Toffees this campaign, scoring three goals.

His performances have seen him regularly at the centre of transfer speculation.

Latest reports suggest Manchester United and Tottenham are ready to battle it out for the ex-Carlisle United man this summer.

But former Everton favourite Pat Nevin reckons it should cost any suitor huge amounts of money to sign the Cumbrian.

Speaking via OLBG, Nevin said: "If I was looking at any young centre-back on the planet just now, I'd look at Jarrad Branthwaite first.

"Now that's a big statement, a big call, but honestly, he has grown so quickly.

“There are so many things to his game that I think people don't even know yet because he is playing a certain style under Sean Dyche.

“I would be devastated as a former Everton player if he left because of what he has done this season, he’s 21 but playing at the top level of English football and improving in almost every game.

“He’s got everything and he’s left-footed as well.

"So I hope that Branthwaite stays at Everton, but if he goes he’s going to cost stunning amounts of money because I’m not the only one who has noticed.

"He is an extra special footballer.”