Manchester United target Jarrad Branthwaite is now also on arch-rivals Liverpool’s radar.
The Red Devils have had the Everton centre back on their list since the start of the summer and despite making moves for defenders Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, they are still said to have the England international in their sights.
United have already failed in two bids for the defender, with their latest of £50 million rejected, as the Toffees demand at least £70 million to do a deal.
This prompted the club to move on to different targets but they have been backed to return next summer for the player as they had previously agreed personal terms with him.
This strategy may be a lot more complicated than first thought however, as arch-rivals Liverpool are trying to steal a march in the race for Branthwaite in the dying embers of the transfer window.
The Sun reports that “Liverpool want to snatch £70million-rated Jarrad Branthwaite from Merseyside rivals Everton.”
“SunSport understands the Reds will offer £63m plus £7m in add-ons to prise the centre-back across Stanley Park”, which would satisfy the price United were frequently quoted for the defender.
He is reportedly “open to the move and wants to play for a higher-profile club”, knowing his current wages would likely treble at Anfield.
“Liverpool are growing in confidence that a deal can be done with Arne Slot believed to be a huge admirer of the budding England star.”
The English paper claims that despite United’s failure to land the player earlier in the summer, “they still want him.”
Therefore, were Liverpool to make progress in a deal, it would be interesting to see if this would force United’s hand to go back with a third bid for the 22 year old.
If the club are able to get prime midfield target Manuel Ugarte on a loan deal this summer with an obligation to buy next and complete sales of Jadon Sancho or Scott McTominay, it may just free up the funds to launch a final assault on Branthwaite this window and trump Liverpool’s interest in the highly rated defender.
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