Liverpool’s impressive start to the season has been a testament to their strong performances, with their recent win over Bologna further solidifying their form. Amid their early-season success, reports from the Daily Mail suggest that the Reds are keen on making a January move for Everton’s highly-rated defender Jarrad Branthwaite. The young centre-back has caught the eye of top clubs, including Manchester United, but Liverpool are aiming to outmanoeuvre their fierce rivals to secure his signature.

At 22 years old, Branthwaite is regarded as one of the Premier League’s top young defensive prospects and is seen as Everton’s most valuable asset. Despite Everton rejecting Manchester United’s initial bids for Branthwaite, Liverpool are looking to take advantage of the January transfer window to strengthen their defensive options and move quickly while United pause their interest until summer.

Manchester United’s summer pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite was a saga marked by persistence, with reports indicating they submitted three bids, the final reaching £60 million including add-ons. However, Everton stood firm and rejected all of United’s proposals, holding out for their valuation of the young center-back.

Everton has made it clear that they value Branthwaite at over £75 million, reflecting their belief in his potential and importance to their squad. The club’s reluctance to lower the price, particularly for a move to a local rival like Liverpool, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. This stance could make it difficult for Liverpool to strike a deal in the upcoming January transfer window, as Everton would be especially cautious about selling one of their top young assets to a direct competitor.

Everton are unlikely to sell their main man

Liverpool’s pursuit of Jarrad Branthwaite seems more tentative compared to Manchester United’s aggressive summer approach, with reports suggesting that a significant January bid from the Reds is unlikely. Branthwaite, currently earning £35,000 per week, remains a key player for Everton, who have set a firm valuation of at least £75 million. With The Friedkin Group expected to complete their takeover of Everton by December, a winter transfer appears even more improbable. TFG would likely avoid making their first move as owners a sale of such a valuable asset.

Everton are reportedly still hopeful of extending Branthwaite’s contract once the ownership transition is complete, which could solidify his future at Goodison Park.

Meanwhile, with Virgil van Dijk’s contract set to expire at the end of the season and uncertainty surrounding his potential extension, Liverpool are looking at possible replacements. The Reds have identified four centre-backs as key targets: Juventus’ Gleison Bremer, Sporting CP’s Gonçalo Inácio, Sevilla’s Loïc Badé, and Crystal Palace’s Marc Guehi. Each of these players would offer solid defensive reinforcement, though their availability and price tags will play crucial roles in Liverpool’s decision-making process.

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Branthwaite has shown strong loyalty to Everton, never pushing for a transfer, and remains committed to helping the club improve their standing in the Premier League. Given his dedication and Everton’s high valuation, any potential suitor—whether it’s Liverpool, Manchester United, or another top club—would have to meet the Toffees’ full asking price of £75 million to have a realistic shot at securing his signature. This is even while not considering the intense rivalry between the Merseyside cluibs.

Considering Everton’s firm stance, it’s unlikely that any club will succeed in prying him away from Goodison Park without making a substantial financial offer. Both Liverpool and Manchester United will need to seriously consider whether they are willing to meet such a price, especially with other defensive targets potentially available in the market.