Hammond scouts Jarrad Branthwaite in person ahead of potential January move

Nick Hammond has run the rule over Celtic target Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of a potential move for the defender.

Reports emerged last month linking the Hoops with a move for the highly rated 17-year-old, who is said to be valued by Carlisle United in the region of £1million.

And according to Celtic Quick News, Hammond made a personal visit to watch Branthwaite in action with a potential January move in mind.

Interest in the teenager is said to be high however, with a number of Premier League and Championship teams keen on a move for the defender, while Rangers have also been linked with him.

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Branthwaite is arguably one of the most promising young players in the English Football League at the moment, and interest is understandably high.

The 17-year-old has been a regular in Carlisle’s starting lineup in recent weeks, and has been described as the “shining light” in what has otherwise been a poor campaign for the League Two outfit thus far.

Does your centre half do this?

17 years old, Jarrad Branthwaite, remember the name. ⚽️ #cufc pic.twitter.com/H4nyRlEf9O

— Ry (@RyCUFC) November 12, 2019

The fact that Hammond himself made the trip to watch Branthwaite suggests the defender is high on Celtic’s list of potential targets for the January window.