Brentford development chief Stephen Pressley says Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite could handle a move to Manchester United.

Pressley was Carlisle manager as Branthwaite was coming through at the club.

He told The Sun: “I said very early Carlisle had a future international.

“I'll be very proud when it happens.

“It's no surprise to see him linked with such big names. If he's good enough to play for England, he's good enough for United or whoever.

"There's not an abundance of high-level centre-backs and he's still three or four years off his prime.

“A player of that ilk, at his age, could be at the top for the next 15 years."

Pressley also said: “No one had spoken to me about Jarrad, but when I went to watch that reserve game he caught my eye.

“It was one of those moments when you're really excited about seeing such a good young player for the first time.

“Straight after the game I rang my director of football and said, 'Listen, we have to get this young man tied up'.

“Obviously there was a lot of developing to be done and he was a bit like a baby giraffe.

“Even though he was so big, he still had to grow into his body.

“But he was two-footed and — for such a young player — already had the basics, which was obviously very encouraging.

“So was the fact that when I told his parents of my plans for Jarrad, it was clear what a supportive and sensible family he had.

“There were no ridiculous expectations, they just wanted to see their son progress, which allows the proper process to take place."