According to the Liverpool Echo, talks over a loan move for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite are expected to accelerate this week with Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers keen.
The talented central defender made his Premier League debut last year.
But so far this season, Branthwaite has yet to feature for the Toffees and now the Merseyside club are open to loaning him out to aid his development.
Liverpool Echo claim Wednesday and Blackburn are among four clubs chasing him.
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And Everton manager Carlo Ancelotti has given the green light to loaning Branthwaite out, with talks to ramp up this week over a potential switch to the Championship.
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 will be looking to strengthen their squad this month as Tony Mowbray’s side eye a playoff spot following an inconsistent first half to the season.
Wednesday, meanwhile, may seek to strengthen their defensive options.
The Owls saw loan signing Aden Flint pick up a lengthy injury earlier in the campaign. He has since returned to parent club Cardiff City where he could remain for the rest of the season.
Versatile defender Dominic Iorfa is also out with a lengthy ligament injury.
Wednesday may view Branthwaite as an ideal option to bring in and compete with Tom Lees, Joost van Aken and Julian Borner for the second half of the campaign.
Also see: Player Owls signed for £5m now free to talk to clubs over free transfer move
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