As well as Branthwaite: INEOS make concrete plans to sign ‘explosive’ PL starlet in 2025; Liverpool want both

Manchester United are poised to face stern competition from arch-rivals Liverpool in pursuit of two of their main defensive transfer targets for 2025.

The first is, rather unsurprisingly, Jarrad Branthwaite. After the Red Devils failed with two bids last summer, numerous reports relayed that the club had vowed to return for him the following year, giving him an extra season to prove his worth to his many admirers across Europe.

Things haven’t gone to plan for the 22-year-old in 2024/2025 thus far, though. He spent the beginning of the campaign sidelined with a groin injury, delaying his first outing of the term until late September. His first inclusion in Everton’s starting XI coincided with their first win – a 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace on matchweek six.

He was then absent from the matchday squad through fitness issues for the subsequent two matches, after which he returned to feature against Fulham, a 1-1 draw, and Southampton, a 1-0 loss – albeit as a substitute in both. His omission from the latter led to Sean Dyche being on the receiving end of stark criticism from supporters and pundits.

Alas, the manager seemingly came to his senses for the next outing, as Branthwaite started and played the full 90 minutes of the Toffees’ goalless draw with West Ham before the break. The England international is contracted to Everton until 2027, but with the board now resigned to the fact that he won’t sign any further contract extensions, they may look to part ways sooner rather than later in order to recuperate as high a fee as possible.

Cherries youngster joins Branthwaite on INEOS’ shortlist

Elsewhere, INEOS’ transfer chiefs are drawing up plans to find a suitable long-term successor for Luke Shaw. In an ideal world, Tyrell Malacia would be next in line, especially given that he’s only 25, though his long-term knee injury has raised doubts over whether he can maintain a starting role throughout the duration of a season.

Prior to the 2024 summer window, United had been linked with Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez on a number of occasions – and it seems as though they retain their interest to this day.

Football Transfers claims the Reds are indeed ‘monitoring’ the ‘explosive’ 21-year-old fullback. As are Liverpool, who are now seeking someone to fill the boots of the ageing Andy Robertson.