INEOS’ plans to sign ‘immense’ England int’l now ‘in danger’ after LFC join race – they could even make Jan move

Despite failing with two separate bids in the summer, Manchester United haven’t given up hope of eventually welcoming Jarrad Branthwaite to their ranks.

They won’t get a free pass at his signature the same way they did in July, though, as Liverpool have now reportedly established their interest in snatching their Merseyside rivals’ top talent.

Mail Sport claims that the Red Devils’ pursuit is now ‘in danger’, as Liverpool could ‘feasibly’ make their move for the centre-half – and may even opt to do so in January, at a time when United, if active on the market at all, certainly wouldn’t be looking at defenders due to their recent acquisitions of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.

Read more: ‘Technique, tempo, intelligence’ – INEOS plot 2025 swoop for ‘jackpot’ signing to replace senior departees

United and Liverpool expected to vie for Branthwaite

It’s worth noting that Everton will be doing their utmost to keep the 22-year-old at Goodison Park but may grow resigned to losing him when it becomes clear he won’t sign a contract extension beyond his current 2027 terms. United, and presumably Liverpool, would be able to offer the one-capped England international a weekly wage of around £160,000 per week, with the Toffees unable to match such a fee.

Last Saturday, Branthwaite made his first outing of the campaign following a hernia operation. He proceeded to have an ‘immense impact’  – per the Liverpool Echo – as the Blues sealed their first three points of the season courtesy of a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.

Jarrad Branthwaite's stats against Crystal Palace:

Touches – 46

Successful passes – 27

Successful forward passes – 16

Pass accuracy – 84%

Recoveries – 5

Clearances – 5

Ground duels won – 4

Interceptions – 3

Aerial duels won – 3

Successful tackles – 2#EFC #EVECRY

— EFC Statto (@EFC_Statto) September 28, 2024