According to the Daily Mail, Preston have joined the race to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite on loan this month.
It’s claimed that Blackburn Rovers are looking to take Branthwaite to Ewood Park, whilst Sheffield Wednesday are also keen to sign him.
Everton look set to loan Branthwaite out this month, given that he is now fifth-choice centre back at Goodison Park behind Mason Holgate, Yerry Mina, Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey.
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Branthwaite should appeal strongly to Preston if Ben Davies leaves, as he can slot in as the left-sided centre back at Deepdale.
Davies has offered great balance in that role as a left-footer, but he could leave this month with his contract expiring at the end of the season.
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We noted that Branthwaite should be an option for Preston for that very reason, whilst he has also shown real potential early into his top-flight career.
Branthwaite made the huge leap from League Two to the Premier League last January, but was quickly being branded ‘excellent’ by Jamie Carragher.
Preston and Rovers are rivals as it is, but are now fighting in the transfer market too, with Manchester City defender Taylor Harwood-Bellis believed to be wanted by both sides.
Preston do need a right-footer like Harwood-Bellis given Patrick Bauer’s injury, but a left-footer will be an even greater need if Davies leaves – so keep an eye on both of these Premier League talents as North End and Rovers fight it out.