Liverpool and Manchester United twist emerges in Everton ace Jarrad Branthwaite saga
Manchester United and Liverpool have been linked with a move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Give Me Sport.
The news outlet claimed on 14 November that sources have indicated that the Reds could be in the mix for the 22-year-old amid uncertainty over star centre-back and captain Virgil van Dijk.
United also continue to retain an interest in him after failing to secure his services in the summer transfer window.
Everton hold the upper hand in the Jarrad Branthwaite saga amid interest from Liverpool and Manchester United
Everton are in a strategic position with Branthwaite, who’s drawing interest from both Manchester United and Liverpool.
Given the rivalry, there will be a strong hesitation from the Toffees to sell Branthwaite to Liverpool, especially considering van Dijk’s uncertain future might push Liverpool to make a move.
However, the Blues can leverage Liverpool’s interest to negotiate a higher fee from Manchester United, who are known to spend significantly for top talents under new managerial regimes eager to make their mark.
United’s summer bids have not met Everton’s valuation, but with a new manager in Ruben Amorim and the club’s ambition to reinforce their defence, they might be more inclined to meet or exceed the asking price.
Nevertheless, the Toffees’ primary goal remains retaining the 22-year-old, viewing him as an integral part of their long-term plans, only considering a sale if an offer is overwhelmingly lucrative, which would then be used to bolster their squad elsewhere.
In other Everton news, the valuation of a first-team player has dropped by £8.3million since his move to Goodison Park.
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