Liverpool to rival Everton for Carlisle starlet Jarrad Branthwaite

Liverpool to rival Everton for talented Carlisle starlet Jarrad Branthwaite

Liverpool and Everton could be set for a transfer war for Carlisle United defender Jarrad Branthwaite. (h/t Daily Mail)

The 17-year-old is enjoying a breakout season at Brunton Park and has made 9 appearances for Carlisle in the fourth tier of English football.

A left-sided center-back, Branthwaite does not turn 18 until June of this year.

Seen as one for the future, the 17-year-old is gaining valuable experience in a physical league against older and stronger opponents.

Everton had a £500,000 bid turned down for the defender as the Blues look to secure their first transfer under Ancelotti.

This gives Liverpool to steal the march on their neighbors in the race for the defender’s signature.

Under Klopp Liverpool have shown the willingness to give youth their chance. A number of academy players currently find themselves on the fringes of the first team.

The Reds can help Branthwaite develop alongside a motivated group of players with an opportunity to learn from the world’s best defender, Virgil van Dijk.

The player has also garnered interest from Manchester City, Chelsea, and Watford . (h/t Daily Mail)