Man Utd & Liverpool ready for ‘transfer war’ over signing £65m Everton Star

Manchester United and Liverpool are set to lock horns in the transfer market once again over the transfer of Jarrad Branthwaite. The Everton centre back is reportedly on the radar of some of the biggest clubs in the country after a stellar couple of years, and it will be interesting to see this developing transfer story evolve, given the history between the two clubs of Merseyside.

Jarrad Branthwaite is regarded as one of the future stars of English football. At 23 years of age, Branthwaite has already put in amazing performances for the Toffees. The defender has only earned one cap for the Three Lions, however, it would not be surprising if Thomas Tuchel picks the defender for his World Cup squad.

Why are the Red Devils interested?

According to a report published by The Mirror, Manchester United have been long-term admirers of the central defender. The Red Devils have also initiated transfer negotiations with Everton over the transfer of Jarrad Branthwaite in the past. However, the deal never materialised as United were not convinced of the asking price being demanded by Everton.

The Red Devils have not yet relinquished their interest in Jarrad Branthwaite, as the top brass at Old Trafford considers the Englishman a long-term replacement for Harry Maguire. The latter is approaching the end of his tenure at Old Trafford and also does not have age on his side. Maguire turns 33 next year and his contract expires in the summer with it highly unlikely that he will be rewarded with fresh terms.

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The constant injuries to Lisandro Martinez have also kept Manchester United officials on eggshells. Martinez has been extremely injury-prone and has not yet fully gained the trust of Ruben Amorim.

Will Liverpool be a more lucrative destination?

Liverpool’s keenness to sign a central defender is no breaking news. The Reds were inches away from signing Crystal Palace skipper Marc Guehi. However, the deal collapsed on deadline day as Guehi was undergoing his medical for Liverpool. Arne Slot faced further frustration as defensive summer recruit Giovani Leoni damaged his ACL last week.

Given the scenario, Jarrad Branthwaite would be an excellent addition at Anfield. However, it remains to be seen if the defender would be keen on swapping the blue of Merseyside for red.

Between the two offers at his disposal, the move to Liverpool would certainly greater opportunities to win silverware. The Reds are a well-oiled unit, unlike Manchester United, which looks like a team in transition. With the January transfer window fast approaching, the two rivals could face off once again over the signature of Jarrad Branthwaite.

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