Liverpool are reportedly ready to launch a sensational bid for Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite after Manchester United’s failed attempts to sign the defender.
Arne Slot is a huge admirer of the 21-year-old centre-half who is prepared to risk the ire of Everton fans and make the move across Merseyside, according to The Sun.
The report claims Branthwaite is open to a move to Anfield in what would be the first transfer between the two clubs since Abel Xavier swapped blue for red in 2002.
Liverpool will test Everton’s resolve with an offer of £63million plus £7m in add-ons but the Toffees are likely to have no intention of selling to their arch-rivals.
United meanwhile have seen two bids for Branthwaite rejected this summer – the first £35m plus £10m in add-ons followed by a second of £45m plus £5m in add-ons.
Both offers were immediately rejected with Everton valuing their prized asset in the excess of £70m – believing his excellent form last season and the fees paid for Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol in recent years make that a fair price.
United have since signed Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt as part of their defensive revamp this summer but are thought to be still interested in Branthwaite.
Everton boss Sean Dyche is hopeful the club can hold onto Branthwaite with just over a week of the transfer window remaining – but conceded the club’s uncertain financial position could change things.
‘I’m confident that the club are going to do the best they can to make sure we’re competitive but equally the club’s got an outside picture which is quite obvious and that’s not something that I can control,’ Dyche replied when asked about interest in Everton’s best players.
Liverpool meanwhile are still to make a major addition to the squad this summer.
Joe Gomez was left out of the squad for last Saturday’s league opener against Ipswich Town with the England international exploring transfer options.
Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle United and Chelsea were named as clubs interested in the defender. Liverpool are not thought to be trying to actively sell Gomez with reports suggesting he could even return to the squad this weekend against Brentford.
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