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The video will auto-play soon 8 Cancel Jarrad Branthwaite is closing in on a loan move away from Everton until the end of the season.

And Branthwaite impressed during games with Aston Villa and Sheffield United to prompt Ancelotti to praise the club's recruitment department.



Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle United a year ago today in a deal worth an initial £750,000 but is set to leave until the end of the campaign.



Everton triggered the option of extending his contract by 12 months when he turned 18 in the summer.

And the ECHO now understands that Branthwaite is close to sealing a loan move, with Blackburn - who are 11th in the table - favourites.

Take our 30-second Everton transfer survey and let us know what Carlo Ancelotti needs to do in the January window.

Branthwaite has made only one appearance for the Blues this season when injury forced him out of the Carabao Cup tie with Salford City after less than half an hour.