According to the Lancashire Telegraph, Blackburn Rovers are expecting to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite on loan.
It’s claimed that Rovers are attempting to finalise the signing of Branthwaite before this weekend’s game against Stoke City.
Tony Mowbray has needed a new centre back due to Daniel Ayala, Derrick Williams and Scott Wharton all picking up injuries.
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The latter two will miss the rest of the season, so Branthwaite will arrive as a left-footed option to bring balance to Mowbray’s back line.
Branthwaite, 18, joined Everton from Carlisle United for £750,000 last January, and made four promising Premier League appearances at the end of last season.
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The Daily Mail recently noted that Preston were looking to sign Branthwaite, and a deal would certainly have made some sense.
The giant teenager would have provided more height in the Preston back line, and could have been a smart replacement for Ben Davies as a left-sided centre back.
Davies is out of contract this summer and could leave before the end of the month, meaning Preston need to have left-footed replacements in mind.
Branthwaite seemingly won’t be heading to Deepdale though, meaning North End may nee to go back to the drawing board.