Everton are expected to complete the signing of 17-year-old Carlisle United defender Jarrad Branthwaite, a report from Sky Sports' Transfer Centre (12/01, 13:16) has revealed.

Branthwaite only broke into the League Two side's first-team this season, and has since 14 appearances in all competitions for the Cumbrians, becoming the club's youngest ever goalscorer and captain in an EFL Trophy clash with Morecambe earlier this season.

Those performances appear to have caught the attention of a number of Britain's big club's, with Liverpool and Chelsea both reportedly monitoring the progress of the teenager, along with Rangers and Celtic.

According to the latest reports however, it is Everton who look the most likely to secure Branthwaite's services going forward.

It is thought that the Toffees have seen a bid of £500,000 rejected for the defender, but that they will go back with a second offer, with Carlisle said to be demanding between £750,000 and £1million for Branthwaite, plus add-ons.

Everton's Premier League rivals Southampton were also thought to be monitoring the teenager, but it is understood that Carlisle's asking price put them off making a move.

The Verdict

This could be quite a coup for Everton.

When you look at the impact Branthwaite has had for Carlisle this season, there can be no doubting that he has the potential to play at a much higher level than the one he is currently at in the future.

That is only backed up further by the number of high profile clubs looking at him, which makes Everton's success in this race all the more important, and indeed impressive.

While this will be a loss for Carlisle on the pitch in terms of Branthwaite's ability, it is worth noting that the financial boost this deal will bring ought to be massive for a club of their size.