Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray has suggested his side have signed reported Sheffield Wednesday target Jarrad Branthwaite on loan from Everton.
The talented central defender made his Premier League debut last season.
But this year Branthwaite has yet to feature for the Toffees first-team in the league, prompting Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti to talk up the possibility of a loan move.
The Liverpool Echo claimed this past week how Wednesday and Blackburn are keen.
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And now, the latest from Lancashire Telegraph reporter Rich Sharpe claims Mowbray has all-but confirmed a loan deal for the former Carlisle United star is done.
The 18-year-old joined Everton for £750,000 from Carlisle United. Standing at 6ft 5inch, he is excellent in the air and can match up physically to opposing strikers.
Blackburn are very much in the Championship playoff picture this season, and Mowbray will have been looking to add one or two this month to help Rovers push for the top six.
Wednesday, meanwhile, have reason to look at another central defender in the short-term.
The Owls lost loanee Aiden Flint to injury earlier in the campaign. The towering defender has since returned to parent club Cardiff City where he is expected to remain.
Dominic Iorfa, on the other hand, is out for the season after picking up a ligament injury. Former manager Tony Pulis called it a devastating blow for the Yorkshire club.
Branthwaite could have been an ideal option to provide competition to Tom Lees, Julian Borner and Joost van Aken in case of suspension or another injury.
But the Owls will now have to look elsewhere to bolster their defensive ranks.
Also see: Player Owls signed for £5m now free to talk to clubs over free transfer move
Also see: Report: Wednesday seek bargain deal for league rival who once cost £3.6m fee
