Report: Liverpool to go head-to-head with United for £65m rival defender | OneFootball

Man Utd Ready to Revive Branthwaite Pursuit as Liverpool Monitor Situation

Branthwaite back on United radar

Manchester United are weighing up a renewed move for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with a bid in the region of £65 million expected to be tabled in January. The 22-year-old centre-back, who signed fresh terms at Goodison Park earlier this year, has become one of the Premier League’s most sought-after talents.

United previously baulked at Everton’s valuation but their defensive struggles may force a rethink. Ruben Amorim’s side have shipped 11 goals in their opening six league fixtures, with their back line exposed in the recent defeat to Brentford. The lack of cohesion, coupled with Harry Maguire’s contract entering its final year, has heightened the urgency to secure a long-term solution.

Branthwaite, left-footed and composed in possession, is admired not only for his aerial dominance but also for his ability to initiate attacks from deep. Such qualities have made him the focal point of United’s recruitment discussions, though securing his services is far from straightforward.

Liverpool eye defensive succession plan

According to the Daily Star, Liverpool are understood to be among the clubs tracking Branthwaite’s development closely. Arne Slot is preparing for the long-term future of his defence, with Virgil van Dijk now in the latter stages of his career and Ibrahima Konaté increasingly linked with a summer exit.

For Liverpool, Branthwaite represents the prototype of a modern centre-half — strong, tactically intelligent, and comfortable on the ball. His Merseyside allegiance complicates matters, however. The notion of trading Everton blue for Liverpool red remains a major question mark, and history suggests such moves are rarely straightforward.

Everton’s position and Branthwaite’s rise

Everton, who see Branthwaite as central to their project, remain reluctant sellers. David Moyes has leaned heavily on his partnership with James Tarkowski, with Jordan Pickford behind them forming a resilient defensive core. The defender’s consistency has not gone unnoticed, with several European clubs also believed to be keeping tabs.

While Branthwaite has publicly committed to Everton by signing a new contract, precedent shows that such agreements often do little more than strengthen a club’s bargaining position. United’s acquisition of Matheus Cunha from Wolves earlier this year came just months after the Brazilian had extended his stay in the Midlands, and similar circumstances could unfold with Branthwaite.

Risks of moving too soon

For Branthwaite, the decision carries its own risks. A switch to Old Trafford or Anfield offers the lure of Champions League football and greater exposure, but history shows that such moves do not always guarantee success. Jack Grealish’s loan spell at Everton is a case in point. The winger’s £100m transfer to Manchester City brought expectation but little consistency, with form and confidence only returning since moving away from the Etihad.

Branthwaite must weigh up the merits of staying at Everton, where regular football and trust from the manager are assured, against the gamble of a high-profile transfer. For United and Liverpool, the question is whether they can prise him from Goodison Park in January — and whether the player himself is ready to take the next step.