Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti has said that Cumbrian star Jarrad Brathwaite could make a loan move this month.
The teenage England Under-19 defender has been linked with a short-term switch to the Championship.
Branthwaite remains highly thought-of at Goodison Park.
But Ancelotti, speaking at a press conference today, said the 18-year-old "could maybe go on loan for six months" to get some games under his belt.
Blackburn and Sheffield Wednesday have been credited with interest in the Wigton star.
Branthwaite, who joined Everton from Carlisle a year ago, has recently been back in the Toffees' Premier League squad as a substitute.
It follows a spell on the sidelines with an ankle injury, which has limited Branthwaite to one first-team appearance this season.
After returning from injury the talented Cumbrian has also featured for Everton's Under-23s.
Everton face Rotherham in the FA Cup this weekend.
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