Report: Everton battling Celtic and Rangers for teen starlet after several scouting missions
Everton are one of several big teams looking to potentially make a move for Carlisle United’s teenage starlet Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Liverpool Echo reported on Thursday that scouts from the Merseyside outfit have watched the 17-year-old on several occasions this season.
However, Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers are both also keen on the centre-half, who made his senior debut for the League Two side earlier this campaign and has gone on to make 11 appearances in 2019/20.
Any move for Branthwaite would likely seem him integrated into the Under-23s set-up at Goodison Park, rather than become a fully-fledged first team squad member right off the bat.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are also said to have shown some interest in Nottingham Forest centre back Joe Worrall, who spent last term on loan at Ibrox.
It seems clear that the Blues are looking to improve their options at the heart of the defence having lost Kurt Zouma, who returned to Chelsea last summer after an impressive loan spell at Everton.
Despite that, Branthwaite appears to be a transfer target with the long-term in mind, rather than somebody who could be expected to make an immediate impact.
In other Everton news, a Premier League giant is reported to be mulling a move for an in-form Toffees star.