Liverpool is reportedly ready to make an attractive offer for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite after Manchester United’s attempts to sign him failed.
Transfer News: August 23
According to The Sun, Liverpool’s manager Arne Slot is a big admirer of the 21-year-old center-back and hopes the club can secure his signature. The report also indicates that Branthwaite is willing to move to Anfield, marking the first transfer between the two clubs since Abel Xavier’s switch from blue to red in 2002.
Liverpool is set to test Everton’s resolve with a bid of £63 million plus £7 million in add-ons. However, Everton seems unwilling to sell to their Merseyside rivals. Meanwhile, Manchester United saw two offers for Branthwaite rejected this summer: the first was £35 million plus £10 million in add-ons, and the second was £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons.
Both bids were promptly turned down as Everton has priced their star defender at over £70 million. Since then, Manchester United has signed Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt as part of their defensive overhaul this summer.
Everton manager Sean Dyche hopes to retain Branthwaite with just over a week remaining in the transfer window but acknowledges that the club’s uncertain financial situation could alter the scenario.
Liverpool, on the other hand, has not made any significant additions to their squad this summer. Joe Gomez was left out of the squad for the opener against Ipswich Town, and the England international is exploring transfer options.
Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle United, and Chelsea are also interested in the versatile defender. Liverpool is reportedly seeking £45 million for Gomez.