Premier League club Everton will not fear a January approach from Liverpool for 22-year-old English defender Jarrad Branthwaite, a target for Manchester United.
According to a report by Liverpool Echo, Jarrad Branthwaite is the subject of interest from Liverpool. Manchester United have also been keen on signing the Everton defender, although they will unlikely return with a bid in the January transfer window. Meanwhile, the Toffees are unfazed by their fellow Merseyside club’s consideration of a winter bid for the 22-year-old.
Jarrad Branthwaite and his journey
Jarrad Branthwaite has come leaps and bounds since returning from a loan spell with PSV Eindhoven. The temporary stint with the Eredivisie giants has helped him become a confident defender, allowing the Englishman to establish a foothold in the first-team squad at Everton.
The 22-year-old has thus become one of the best young prospects in the Premier League after a memorable 2023/24 season. Branthwaite has turned out over 50 times thus far for Everton while chipping in with four goals and one assist. In addition, the player’s exploits for the Merseyside outfit have helped him break into his national team.
Meanwhile, Jarrad Branthwaite’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs across Europe. Manchester United attempted to sign the English defender in the summer transfer window before a move failed to see the light of day. The latest reports have linked him with Liverpool.
Move across the Premier League on the cards?
Recent reports have claimed that Dan Ashworth wants Manchester United to sign Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton next year. The Red Devils landed two centre-backs in the summer transfer window. However, amid uncertainties surrounding the long-term futures of Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, and Jonny Evans, Branthwaite could become an option next summer.
However, Manchester United will not launch the offensive to sign Branthwaite in the January transfer window, giving Liverpool the opportunity to steal a march on them. The Merseyside club’s interest in Branthwaite is understandable, considering they did not replace Joel Matip with a summer signing. And recent reports have claimed that they might launch a winter raid on Everton for the 22-year-old Englishman.
But the Toffees are unfazed by the recent rumours and do not fear Liverpool approaching them with a bid in the coming months. With Everton confident about keeping hold of the English international, a winter move across the Premier League will unlikely see the light of day unless the youngster pushes for a transfer.
