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Everton have been closely monitoring teenage defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Carlisle United centre-half made his senior debut for the League Two side earlier this season and has been watched by Blues scouts on a handful of occasions.

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Everton are said to be one of several clubs interested in the young defender, with both Celtic and Rangers credited with being admirers of the 17-year-old, who has missed Carlise's last two games due to a thigh injury.

The Blues are hoping to reduce the size of their squad this month with Cenk Tosun, Oumar Niasse and Cuco Martina among those who could leave before the January 31 deadline.

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But should Everton step up their interest in Branthwaite then it likely he would be integrated into the under-23s set up and developed from there.

The Blues have also shown interest in Nottingham Forest defender Joe Worrall this season.