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Everton considering a loan spell at Blackburn for Jarrad Branthwaite
Tuesday, 05 January 2021
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Since the acquisition of Ben Godfrey and his effective assimilation into Everton's first-team squad, a loan spell is now being considered for Jarrad Branthwaite. Blackburn Rovers are thought to be a good candidate for the young defender who has only been with the club for a year. Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle Inited as a very promising 17-year-old centre-back, expected to progress and develop further with David Unsworth's Under-23s side.
But Carlo Ancelotti was forced to promote Branthwaite to first-team duty toward the end of last season after a series of injuries to key defenders. Branthwaite performed impressively in his four Premier League appearances and started the Carabao Cup win over Salford City earlier in the campaign.
However, Branthwaite was forced off with an ankle injury after just 24 minutes of that cup-tie back in September and his recovery kept him sidelined until November, when he started playing for the U23s again.
With him regaining fitness, and a return to the senior squad considered unlikely, a loan to Blackburn Rovers, who are mid-table in the Championship, is thought to be the best path for the short-term advancement of his football career. However, the current situation with the Covid pandemic and financial constraints affecting all clubs could stymie any loan deal.
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