NEILSON KEEN TO SIGN UP BRANTHWAITE

HEARTS have launched an ambitious bid to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite on a loan deal.

Tynecastle boss Robbie Neilson wants to add another centre-back to his squad even after sealing the capture of Bristol City’s Taylor Moore until the end of the season.

An unused substitute as Everton defeated Brighton yesterday, Branthwaite is highly-rated at Goodison.

Still only 19, he has a handful of league appearances to his name and started in an EFL Cup win at Huddersfield in midweek.

Branthwaite benefited from a loan spell at Blackburn last term and Hearts hope Everton boss Rafa Benitez will sanction a move north of the border before Tuesday’s transfer deadline.

Moore debuted as a substitute in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Dundee United, a result that keeps Hearts tucked in behind early Premiership pace-setters Hibs on goal difference.