Liverpool are set to launch an ambitious move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite in the January transfer window, according to the Daily Mail.
Liverpool’s defensive options took a hit over the summer when long-standing centre-back Joel Matip left the club after seeing out his contract.
However, the Reds opted against signing a replacement, considering they already had Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahim Konate, and Joe Gomez as options while the highly rated Jarell Quansah was also coming through the ranks.
The decision didn’t come back to bite Liverpool, though, as they’ve been a team reborn under the leadership of Arne Slot, especially in defence.
The Merseyside giants currently boast the best defence in the Premier League, having kept four clean sheets in six games while conceding just two goals.
Van Dijk and Konate have established a formidable partnership, while Quansah and Gomez are ready to step in when required.
However, it appears the Reds are now looking to bolster their backline in January.
Branthwaite has emerged as a concrete option for Liverpool, with the Daily Mail reporting that the Reds are ready to splash the cash on the Everton star.
The 22-year-old was at the centre of a transfer tug-of-war war between Manchester United and Everton last summer, but a move never materialised.
After an exceptional debut campaign at the heart of the Everton defence, the Toffees slapped a mouth-watering £70 million demand on their prized asset.
Man United were hoping to get him for much less, and were only willing to pay around £50m to secure his signature.
With Everton refusing to budge on their valuation, the Red Devils turned their attention to Lille’s rising star Leny Yoro, allowing the Toffees to keep one of their key players for at least one more season.
However, that reprieve may not last long, with Liverpool now entering the fray amid reports that they’re willing to match Everton’s asking price to get a deal over the line in January.
Branthwaite has been dealing with a Groin problem but made his first start of the season in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend.
