Blackburn Rovers are still waiting for verdict from Everton over the potential loan signing of defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with Lancashire Live reporting that Rovers are one of a number of Championship clubs interested in signing the youngster this month.
A former graduate of Carlisle United's academy system after growing up in Cumbria, the towering centre back arrived at Goodison Park back in January of last year and has so far yet to really establish himself in the first team under Carlo Ancelotti.
Now it appears that the Toffees could be set to allow the teenager out on loan this month in order to gain some much needed first team experience after making just 19 senior appearances in his fledgling career so far, with only five of those coming for the Premier League side.
Blackburn are said to be at the front of the queue for the defender but also face stiff competition from Championship rivals Bournemouth, with Rovers also eyeing Cedric Kipre and Sepp van den Berg as potential alternatives if their move for the Everton prospect doesn't come off.
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The player currently has one year remaining on his current contract with the top flight outfit and was an unused substitute in their recent FA Cup win over Rotherham United last weekend.
The Verdict
It has been well documented that Blackburn are in the market for a defender this month and Branthwaite would certainly fit the bill for what Mowbray and the club are looking for.
With the likes of Scott Wharton, Derrick Williams and Daniel Ayala currently spending respective spells out on the sidelines due to injury, the lure of almost guaranteed first team football could well sway things in the club's favour.
Geographically speaking, Blackburn is also far closer to Merseyside, meaning that the player wouldn't be forced to relocate if he did indeed choose to move to Ewood Park.
The 18-year-old has two good options on the table right now but I believe Blackburn would be the right choice if he wants to be starting consistently.