Celtic scouted Jarrad Branthwaite on Saturday

Celtic sent scouts to watch the highly rated Jarrad Branthwaite on Saturday afternoon, but the Hoops were not the only side with representatives in attendance.

Scouts from Rangers, Arsenal and Everton were also all keeping an eye on the defender, according to BBC Cumbria Sport.

Twitter: Attracting attention.

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Scouts from Arsenal, Everton, Glasgow Rangers and Celtic are understood to be watching Jarra… https://t.co/L8gegbOl1r (@bbccumbriasport)

The 17-year-old played the 90 minutes in Carlisle United’s 1-1 draw with Morecambe on Saturday, picking up a yellow card.

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The Hoops have been previously linked with Branthwaite, with head of football operations Nick Hammond having watched the £1million-rated defender in person recently.

And interest in Branthwaite certainly appears to be growing, with the likes of Newcastle United and Aston Villa also having been linked with the 17-year-old.

Celtic therefore must act quickly to secure the highly rated defender, who has been one of Carlisle’s standout players this season despite their struggles in League Two.