Manchester United are plotting a £60m raid on Everton for Jarrad Branthwaite, but bitter rivals Liverpool might have something to say
17:00, 27 Sep 2025Updated 19:59, 27 Sep 2025
Jarrad Branthwaite
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Jarrad Branthwaite has been linked with a move away from Everton
Manchester United are on a collision course with bitter rivals Liverpool over England defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
United bosses have tried to sign the centre back before, but refused to meet Everton's asking price. But Old Trafford bosses remain keen on Branthwaite - and have made him their No.1 choice to replace Harry Maguire.
Maguire will turn 33 in March and is out of contract at the end of this season. United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is not expected to hand the veteran an extension to his current deal, and will turn to Branthwaite.
But Liverpool are also interested in the 23-year-old, although it remains to be seen if Branthwaite would be willing to make the controversial move across Merseyside.
Branthwaite's Everton deal runs until 2030, and United could test the water with a £65m bid in the January transfer window.
Jarrad Branthwaite
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Jarrad Branthwaite could be on his way to Liverpool or Man Utd(Image: Getty Images)
United boss Ruben Amorim is planning for life without Maguire next season, while he also has doubts about the long-term fitness of injury prone defender Lisandro Martinez.
Branthwaite is regarded as one of the brightest young prospects in English football.
He has won one England cap, and is regarded as an outside bet to be included in Thomas Tuchel's final squad for next summer's World Cup, should England confirmed qualification.
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United will be looking to strengthen their backline after a torrid defensive display saw them torn apart by Brentford on Saturday lunchtime.
Maguire was caught napping during Amorim's high line - allowing Igor Thiago to run in behind and lash the ball past Altay Bayindir and into the back of the net.
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Brentford ran out 3-1 winners, leaving the Red Devils 14th in the table, four points above the drop zone.