Liverpool, Chelsea 'keeping tabs on Carlisle starlet Jarrad Branthwaite'

Liverpool and Chelsea are reportedly among the clubs keeping tabs on 17-year-old Carlisle United defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

The youngster has broken into the Carlisle first team this season, making 10 appearances across all competitions as the League Two outfit battle against relegation from the Football League.

Branthwaite's performances are understood to have attracted the attention of a number of Premier League sides, with a transfer away from Brunton Park considered increasingly likely in January.

The Daily Mail reports that runaway Premier League leaders Liverpool are one of the interested parties but that they could face competition from Chelsea and others.

Branthwaite, who plays as a left-sided centre-back, has previously been linked with the likes of Arsenal, Rangers and Celtic.