Jarrad Branthwaite describes the last 12 months of his career as a whirlwind, from playing in League Two with Carlisle United, to making his Premier League debut at Everton, and now a regular in the Championship during his loan spell with Rovers.

Well now Branthwaite is reported to be interesting Manchester United as they weigh up their centre back options moving forward.

The 18-year-old made four Premier League appearances for Everton last season, but was allowed to leave on loan in January to further his development, with Rovers winning the race for his signature.

He has since gone on to make seven consecutive appearances in the heart of Tony Mowbray’s defence, partnering Taylor Harwood-Bellis, the Manchester City loanee, at Nottingham Forest.

And the Daily Mail reports that Manchester United ‘are beginning to take greater note of Branthwaite's potential’ with Liverpool and Manchester City also credited with interest.

It comes as United make plans for their defensive options moving forward that include the likely departure of former Rovers Academy graduate Phil Jones who hasn’t played for the club in over 12 months.

Branthwaite joined Everton in January 2020 from Carlisle United after just 14 appearances for the League Two side, quickly impressive Toffees boss Carlo Ancelotti who handed him a Premier League debut against Wolves in July.

Reflecting on his progress, Branthwaite said: “It’s a whirlwind, I still can’t believe what’s happened, from being so close to not being taken on at Carlisle as a youth player, now I’ve made my debut in the Premier League and now playing regularly in the Championship, I can’t believe it.

“In my youth days, they were dangling the carrot, I was close to not getting a scholarship. I had six weeks to prove that I was good enough to be there and luckily I did.

“My first day at Everton I went in we were doing 11v11, ever since then I must have caught his eye and I’ve been there since.”