According to TEAMtalk, Liverpool and Manchester United are reportedly in the running to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
The Merseyside club appears to have been looking into the idea of bringing in a new defender to replace Virgil van Dijk, who turns 33 this summer, on a long-term basis.
Before the summer transfer window, a number of players, including Goncalo Inacio, Leny Yoro, and Antonio Silva, have been linked to a move to Anfield; yet, Branthwaite is starting to look like a viable alternative.
Liverpool are reportedly interested in signing Branthwaite, and they may launch a formal bid to do so in the off-season, per the TEAMtalk report.
A move to Liverpool looks highly unlikely considering Branthwaite plays for their bitter rivals Everton, but if they make an offer like the one they made for signing Van Dijk, anything is possible.
Nevertheless, it has been reported that Man United are also interested in signing the Englishman, so Liverpool will likely have fierce competition from their rivals to complete any possible deal for him.
Man Utd or Liverpool will need to shell out a significant chunk of money to get the Englishman’s services this summer, as Everton are reportedly seeking a price of about £75 million to sell their star player.
The Red Devils have made the decision to strengthen their defense by adding more centre-backs this summer after struggling with their defensive shortcomings this season.
Branthwaite has been considered as a significant possibility among the several defenders who have been linked to a transfer to Old Trafford.
The Everton youngster has great potential and is a gifted player. This season in the Premier League, the Englishman has already shown flashes of his brilliance.