CELTIC are stepping up their interest in towering £1million-rated Carlisle United defender Jarrad Branthwaite, as revealed in CQN TWELVE days ago.
Nicky Hammond, the Hoops’ newly-appointed director of football, is reported to have already made a personal check on the 6ft 4in centre-back.
Former Hoops star Steven Pressley introduced the 17-year-old stopper to the first team this season before being sacked last month.
Branthwaite has been attracting attention from top clubs with his consistent performances for the English League Two outfit.
The English-born teenager could be earmarked as a long-term replacement for Jozo Simunovic who is once more struggling to overcome injury.
The eight-in-a-row champions have raided the English market already this summer to sign Jeremie Frimpong, from Manchester City, Lee O’Connor (Manchester United), Luca Connell (Bolton) and Jonathan Afolabi (Southampton).
