Everton have made an unwanted habit in recent years of spending big on players who don’t provide a return on investment. But now they have a diamond in the rough at the back to buck that trend.

Jarrad Branthwaite was poached for just £1million from Carlisle three years ago and is maturing into one of the most complete young defenders in the Premier League. At the rate he is developing this season, it would be no surprise to see a Big Six club come calling soon.

Manchester United have already shown an interest in the 6ft 5in left-sided defender, but Everton fans will hope they can keep Branthwaite for a season or two more at least, with the 21-year-old proving a formidable defensive partner to the experienced James Tarkowski.

Everton could not see out the match to claim a valuable three points on Saturday but they limited a talented Brighton side to few chances and were only undone by a cruel deflected own goal when Ashley Young diverted in Kaoru Mitoma’s attempted cross.

Albion had 80 per cent possession but could not break down the royal blue wall of Tarkowski and Branthwaite, with Young and goalscorer Vitalii Mykolenko in inspired form too.

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Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite (right) is is maturing into one of the most complete young defenders in the Premier League

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Branthwaite joined Everton for just £1million from Carlisle three years ago

Everton are forming a strong defensive partnership between Branthwaite and James Tarkowski (second from left