Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite sought advice from across Stanley Park in the shape of Liverpool winger Harvey Elliott before completing his loan move to Blackburn Rovers.
The 18-year-old centre-back, who signed for the Blues from his home city club Carlisle United in last year’s January transfer window, made his debut for Championship side Rovers in their 1-1 draw at home to Stoke City on Saturday after joining them for the remainder of the campaign.
With fellow youngster Elliott, 17, having been at Ewood Park on a season-long loan since October, Branthwaite has detailed how he reached out to his local rival ahead of making his own switch.
He told Lancs Live : "I spoke to Harvey before I signed and he said that he's loving it here, so that was another thing that made me want to come.
"He's enjoying his football and obviously he's getting lots of game time so that's a benefit for him as well.
"I thought it [the move] was perfect, to be fair. I spoke to the manager numerous times and the things he was saying about the club and how they want to play, it just fit right in.
"And with me having a house in Liverpool it's perfect for me to get into training, it only takes 35 minutes so it all just fit perfectly really."
Branthwaite, who has made five first team appearances for Everton, also made his decision following advice from manager Carlo Ancelotti.
The Blues boss currently has Michael Keane, Yerry Mina, Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey all available and ahead of the teenager in his centre-back pecking order.
Branthwaite said: “At Everton, there are four central defenders there that are all playing very well at the moment, so I didn't see me getting into the team anytime soon.
“The manager said to me that he wanted me to get out on loan to help my development and I've done that.
“Hopefully the second half of the season can be a successful one for me on a personal note and I can develop as a player.
“He wants me defensively to get better and I obviously can.
“With the Championship being such a high, competitive league it will obviously help me develop my game without the ball in a positional sense.”
