Carlisle United's teenage defender Jarrad Branthwaite is on Everton's radar.

The Liverpool Echo says Branthwaite made his senior debut for the League Two side earlier this season and has been watched by Blues scouts on a handful of occasions.

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.