Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is reportedly taking a closer look at ex-Carlisle United defender Jarrad Branthwaite in first-team training.

The 17-year-old Cumbrian defender, who left Brunton Park for the Toffees last month, was pulled out of an under-23 game so legendary boss Ancelotti could assess him with his senior players.

It is the latest step in highly-rated Branthwaite's development at Goodison Park after his six-figure transfer from United.

The Liverpool Echo today reported that Branthwaite was absent from Everton's 2-1 under-23s win over Derby last night because of his involvement with the senior players.

Everton under-23 coach David Unsworth said Branthwaite and two other young Everton players had taken part in a behind-closed-doors practice game at their Finch Farm training ground rather than play in the under-23 fixture.

Unsworth said: "He [Branthwaite] trained with the first team in that game.

"The manager wanted to have a look at him so he trained with Kyle John in that game, and they'll be training with the first team tomorrow."

Branthwaite joined Everton on January 13 for an undisclosed fee, believed to be worth in the region of £750,000 plus add-ons, after just 14 senior Carlisle appearances.

The Wigton teenager, who does not turn 18 until June, has also been scouted by England's youth set-up.