Liverpool are ready to battle it out with Manchester United for the signature of Everton defensive sensation Jarrad Branthwaite.
According to Pete O’Rourke via Football Insider, Liverpool are set to rival Manchester United in their pursuit of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. While the English international has committed his future to the club with a new deal, the English giants still remain keen on securing his services.
However, they are unlikely to get their hands on the 23-year-old anytime soon, as the Toffees are set to block a winter exit. They have no plans of entertaining offers mid-season for one of their mainstays.
Pete O’Rourke on Jarrad Branthwaite’s future
While speaking about Branthwaite’s future, O’Rourke said, “I’d be very surprised if Everton would even consider letting Branthwaite go right now. Speculation has surrounded his future for the last couple of years and in the summer transfer window, because he’s really impressed for Everton and been in and around the England setup.
“I’m not surprised there is interest from the likes of Man United, Chelsea, Tottenham and even Liverpool were linked with him as well. One of the best pieces of business Everton did over the summer was tying down Branthwaite to a new contract until 2030, it was a huge boost to ward off interest.
“Everton’s stance is that Branthwaite is not for sale, they want to keep him, he’s part of the new project and they don’t want to weaken the squad. I think right now Everton are planning for life with Branthwaite and wouldn’t even consider any offers for the defender in January.”
Jarrad Branthwaite has only gone from strength to strength since joining the Merseyside club at the start of 2020. Following a few impressive loan spells, he has established himself as one of their mainstays.
The English international is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in his homeland, and on the back of his impressive performances, multiple top clubs are after his signature.
The Toffees managed to secure his future as well as ward off any interest during the summer by handing him a new five-year deal. While his contract now runs until the summer of 2030, interested clubs have not been deterred in their pursuit.
English giants keep pushing for Branthwaite
Manchester United and Liverpool are keen on Jarrad Branthwaite’s signature, and they continue to monitor the 23-year-old. The Red Devils held talks with his agents before he penned a new deal, and they are expected to return for him as soon as the window reopens in January.
Ruben Amorim seeks more quality at the back, and they see him as an ideal fit for their long-term plans. Meanwhile, Liverpool are also interested in his signature amidst uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate’s team. The 23-year-old could also help replace Virgil van Dijk in the long run.
While both Premier League giants are ready to battle for his signature, they are unlikely to get their hands on him in the near future. He remains an integral part of David Moyes’s plans despite the initial injury struggles this season, and the Toffees have no plans of negotiating his departure in January.
Interested clubs will have to wait until next summer, and they might have to fork out a massive fee to prise him away from the Merseyside club.
