Advertisement

Liverpool could have edge over Man Utd as shock Jarrad Branthwaite transfer threat emerges

Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with a shock move to Liverpool
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Liverpool is reportedly posing a threat to Manchester United’s plan to sign Jarrad Branthwaite as the Reds eye up a shock transfer for the Everton defender.

This isn’t the first time Branthwaite has been linked with a move to across Stanley Park. In fact, just last month, Liverpool was made the favorite to sign the 22-year-old before the end of the transfer window.

Of course, no such deal came about, but with speculation continuing over the defender’s future at Everton, Arne Slot’s side continues to be included in the conversation.

According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool is a ‘firm admirer’ of the England international and could make a move for him during the January transfer window. That could see the Reds scupper the plans of their old rivals.

United is also said to be preparing a fresh bid for Branthwaite, having had two offers rejected by Everton during the summer. The second of those bids was said to have been $66m (£50m/€60m), whereas the Toffees want in excess of $93m (£70m/€84m).

It’s claimed though that United’s bid won’t be made until next summer, with the Old Trafford club having spent big on defenders Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt during the most recent window. That could open the door for Liverpool to hijack the deal in the New Year, with the Reds said to be in a better position to offer Everton what it wants.

Manchester United saw bids for Jarrad Branthwaite rejected by Everton in the summer.
Manchester United saw bids for Jarrad Branthwaite rejected by Everton in the summer. -Credit:Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

It’s suggested that, despite the Friedkin Group’s takeover at Goodison Park, Branthwaite is unlikely to sign a contract extension, with his current deal set to expire in June 2027. Everton is unable to match the $213k (£160k/€192k) United would be prepared to pay him, and it’s hinted that Liverpool would also probably be able to make the same offer.

Branthwaite only made his first-team return for Everton at the weekend following a setback from a hernia operation. The defender though did help Sean Dyche’s side to their first win of the Premier League season, lifting them out of the relegation zone in the process.

Liverpool.com says: Let’s face it, the chances of Everton selling to Liverpool are slim at best, and they’re probably non-existent when you’re talking about the January window. It’s pretty much an unwritten rule that you don’t sell to your derby rivals, so don’t get your hopes up of seeing Branthwaite arriving at Anfield any time soon.