Aston Villa are reportedly keen on signing young Carlisle United defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Football Insider.

The 17-year-old has caught the eye this season after breaking into Carlisle’s first-team recently, and Premier League outfit Aston Villa are one of the clubs reportedly keeping tabs on him ahead of the January transfer window.

Having already been impressed by his performances this season, Aston Villa (as per Football Insider) had sent scouts to watch his performance when Carlisle faced Port Vale at the weekend. The Cumbrians ended up losing the game 2-1 to Port Vale but this didn’t stop Branthwaite from impressing those watching on intently.

Branthwaite has broken into the side this season and has made nine appearances in all competitions, scoring one goal in the Leasing.com Trophy. Despite being such a young age, the defender is already an imposing figure at the back, standing at 6ft 4in tall, showing all the qualities already that he can make it at the very top of the game.

Dean Smith is no stranger to a shrewd signing from the lower leagues, as his time at Brentford and Walsall proved with most notable players coming through such as Ollie Watkins, Eric Konsa, and Romaine Sawyers to name a few.

The Verdict

This signing could present a very smart move for Villa who are getting a player with huge amounts of potential for what will probably be a modest fee, compared to many other Premier League transfers.

For Branthwaite, it is crucial that he continues to focus on his Carlisle performances while he is still at the club, and should make a decision that best helps his development continue, whether that be at Carlisle, Villa or elsewhere.