Liverpool are planning to hijack Manchester United’s move to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail.
The Red Devils were determined to land the Englishman earlier this summer. Personal terms were finalised over a long-term deal, but they could not reach an agreement with the Toffees.
Everton demanded at least £70 million for the centre-back, but United made a maximum bid of around £50m. This was turned down by the Merseyside outfit.
United spent £100m on signing Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, and they could reportedly return for Branthwaite at the end of the campaign.
However, Liverpool are planning to hijack United’s move, and they are poised to make a formal bid for the 22-year-old in the January transfer window.
They could pay closer to the price tag set by the Toffees and could also meet the £160,000 per week package which Branthwaite agreed with United earlier this year.
United could suffer a mid-season setback on Branthwaite
The Red Devils made a huge outlay to land Yoro and De Ligt this summer, but the former has yet to make his debut, having picked up a foot injury during pre-season.
The 18-year-old has been working hard on his recovery and he is anticipated to make his comeback by mid-November, provided there are no setbacks.
Branthwaite would be another top-class acquisition for United, but Liverpool could have the upper hand if they can strike an agreement during the next transfer window.
The club spent almost £200m on new signings over the summer, and they are unlikely to spend close to £70m in January with the risk of breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.
On that basis, Liverpool could realistically hijack United’s pursuit of Branthwaite. United will be hoping Everton will wait for them rather than doing business with their fierce rivals.
Branthwaite, who has been described as ‘very brave‘ by Ian Wright, returned from injury last weekend as the Toffees registered their first Premier League win of the season.
