Everton transfer news as shock Jarrad Branthwaite and Liverpool twist emerges

Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite is a possible transfer target for Merseyside rivals Liverpool, according to TEAMtalk.

The 21-year-old has been superb in his breakthrough campaign at Goodison Park, earning rave reviews for his performances at the back.

Manchester United, Arsenal and Real Madrid have already been linked with Branthwaite, and now Liverpool may also be showing an interest.

The online publication reported on Wednesday [21 February]: “Liverpool have plenty of other exciting defensive options on their transfer shortlist, with Lille’s Leny Yoro, Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite all targeted.”

Jarrad Branthwaite attracting interest from Premier League rivals

Seeing Branthwaite’s name linked with the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United is not all that surprising given just how good he has been this term.

After catching the eye on loan at PSV in the Netherlands last season, the youngster took his first-team chance at Goodison when it arrived early in the campaign.

What is surprising, though, is that Liverpool are supposedly interested. Not many have directly crossed the divide, with Abel Xavier the most recent to do so in 2002.

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If this rumour is indeed true, it would take an almighty sum of money from Liverpool to persuade Everton to cash in.

Not only would they be paying a large sum for his services, but also an additional tax on top, if you will, to help appease angry Everton fans. For now, though, let’s just assume there is nothing to this.

Branthwaite should just continue going about his business and, with time, become the best centre-back anywhere in the division while running out at the new ground rather than across Stanley Park.

In other Everton news, Steve Rotherham has once again hit out at the Premier League ahead of the imminent points deduction appeal verdict.

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