Liverpool have been encouraged to beat Manchester United in the race to sign England U21 international Jarrad Branthwaite from Merseyside rivals Everton.
The 21-year-old has broken through as one of the best young defenders in the Premier League after his impressive loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23.
Under Sean Dyche, who is sixth favorite to win the Premier League sack race, Branthwaite and James Tarkowski established a solid partnership at the beginning of the season. Branthwaite has also started seven straight league games.
He participated in the entire 90 minutes of Everton’s 2-0 loss to Liverpool at Anfield over the weekend, and he is expected to land a big contract somewhere in January or the summer of 2020.
Man United has been strongly linked to the defender in recent months; he is reportedly valued at approximately £25 million.
Liverpool legend John Aldridge reckons they would be wise to sign Branthwaite, who could “become a leading figure and starter for England”.
“I don’t want to upset any Evertonians by saying this, and whether Liverpool would buy from Everton is another matter as it rarely happens, but I certainly think he has got the ability to go on and become a leading figure and a starter for England,” Aldridge said in an interview with Liverpool Echo.
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“The fact Jurgen Klopp even talked him up before the game in his pre-match press conference was interesting. It is up to Everton what they do with him, but other teams are probably keeping an eye on him as well. Manchester United has already been mentioned as a potential destination.
“Branthwaite recently signed a new contract with Everton, too. I am watching Everton’s squad, and those are the players you need to have on your roster if you want to advance as a team. Whether or not Everton can do that, only time will tell.
“During the summer transfer window, we were looking for a left-sided center-back, but we did not end up signing one.” If we were to make a move for Branthwaite, he would probably cost a significant amount due to the English premium that we so often see in the game.
It would be difficult for the boy to come to Liverpool because it requires some effort to cross Stanley Park. I think he has a really bright future, and I do not want to upset anyone by emphasizing that again.”
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