Arne Slot
Liverpool could cause chaos on Merseyside as they seek a potential alternative to their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi - with reports suggesting that a shopping trip across Stanley Park to land Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite could be on the cards for Arne Slot.
The Reds have already all but sold Jarell Quansah from their backline, as sporting director Richard Hughes looks to seek a replacement for the homegrown star after reportedly letting the young England international join Bayer Leverkusen for a fee of around £35million. Guehi has been touted as a potential incoming, given that he has just one year left on his deal - but Branthwaite has now been touted as an alternative in a move that could cause shockwaves in the dock city.
Report: Liverpool 'Keen' on Branthwaite as Guehi Alternative
The Everton youngster has been solid and that could see the Reds breach Merseyside relations
Jarrad Branthwaite in action for Everton
Jarrad Branthwaite in action for Everton
The report states that Everton are doing their best to keep Branthwaite, and they are in talks with the 22-year-old to extend his contract, with the defender not thought to be pushing for a move away from Goodison Park as the Toffees prepare to move into their new riverside Hill Dickinson Stadium in the coming months under David Moyes.
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Jarrad Branthwaite's Premier League statistics - Everton squad ranking
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The club are aware of interest from top clubs, with Liverpool being one of the major sides to hold him in high regard, and Everton are 'rolling up their sleeves' to keep the Cumbria-born defender.
If talks aren't successful, Branthwaite could leave, and he would be likely to have an asking price of around £70million - which would be Everton's second-highest received fee after seeing Romelu Lukaku depart for Manchester United for £75million back in 2017.
The report further states that no concrete talks have taken place between the Merseyside rivals for Branthwaite's signature, although the admiration for his talent is there, and with Ibrahima Konate having rejected a new contract at Anfield, Branthwaite would certainly become 'one to watch' in terms of arriving to the Reds' backline.
The youngster made his England debut last summer under Gareth Southgate, and has already featured in 75 Premier League games at such a young age, scoring four goals in the process in what have been turbulent times for the club in terms of avoiding relegation.
However, in a new era under Moyes, they could seek to keep their best players and with a rebuild this summer, become a top-half outfit once again after half a decade of woe.
Statistics courtesy of WhoScored. Correct as of 26-06-25.
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