Manchester United have been heavily linked with the player this summer. Liverpool could be about to send shockwaves through the Premier League with a late transfer, according to a new report, with Arne Slot believed to be a ‘huge’ admirer.
The Reds are currently light on the ground when it comes to centre-back options, especially after Sepp van den Berg, 22, joined Brentford this week in deal worth up to £25 million.
In total, there are four players – Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez – in competition for two positions at centre-back, according to Slot.
Gomez, however, could be on his way out of Anfield this summer, with Newcastle United and Aston Villa reportedly interested in signing the England international for a hefty fee. He was also left out of the club’s squad for their Premier League opener against Ipswich Town last week amid interest from multiple clubs.
Amid talk around their defensive options, a report from The Sun has emerged that suggests Liverpool are ready to ‘snatch’ Jarrad Branthwaite from Merseyside rivals Everton.
Branthwaite, who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United this summer, is said to be ‘open to the move’ as he wants to play for a higher-profile club.
So how much are we talking? Liverpool are prepared to offer £63 million plus £7 million in add-ons to sign the highly-rated defender, according to the report, who claim Arne Slot is a big fan of the player.
In fact, Liverpool are ‘growing in confidence’ that a deal can be done before the window slams shut next week.
Everton have already turned down two offers from Manchester United worth £43 million and £50 million for Branthwaite, who is reportedly “keen” to join the ranks at Old Trafford this summer.He has previously been valued at between £70 million and £80 million.
The Cumbrian, 22, recently enjoyed a breakout campaign for Sean Dyche’s side and was included in the provision England side for Euro 2024 before being cut from Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad.
I think it is a bit early for Jarrad. He has had a fabulous season and it was good to get him on the other night,” Southgate said back in June.“Of course, in an ideal world, you would like lots of left-footers. But, to put him ahead of the others, I don’t think that would have been the right call at this stage.”
