Liverpool are reportedly making an attempt to sign Everton’s highly-rated defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to the English outlet The Sun. The 22-year-old centre-back, valued at £70 million, has caught the eye of Liverpool’s management, and they are prepared to offer £63 million upfront with an additional £7

Branthwaite, who has been under contract with Everton until 2027, has emerged as one of England’s most promising young defenders. His strong performances have not gone unnoticed, with Manchester United having shown interest earlier this summer. However, Liverpool’s recent entry into the race has intensified the competition. Branthwaite is reportedly open to the move, enticed by the prospect of playing for a higher-profile club and potentially tripling his current £60,000-a-week wages if he crosses Stanley Park to Anfield.

Liverpool manager Arne Slot is believed to be a key figure in driving the club’s interest in Branthwaite. Slot, who has been working to reshape Liverpool’s squad since his arrival, is a known admirer of the young defender’s talents. Everton, on the other hand, find themselves in a precarious position. Manager Sean Dyche has already indicated his willingness to sell players for the right price, despite the club having made a £31 million profit this summer. However, with the squad currently facing an injury crisis and limited options available, losing a key player like Branthwaite could pose significant challenges.

The last time Everton sold a player to their local rivals was in 2002 when Abel Xavier made the switch for £800,000. Should Branthwaite make the move, it would be a substantial financial gain for Everton but a significant loss when it comes to their playing squad, particularly at a time when defensive depth is crucial.

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Liverpool stand as the only Premier League club yet to make a new signing this summer, prompting questions about whether manager Arne Slot is concerned by the lack of transfer activity.

Slot, however, remains unfazed. “No, because I have faith in this team,” the Dutchman responded. “I inherited a strong squad, full of young talent, and I believe in their potential for growth.”

He emphasized his confidence in the team’s ability, saying, “We are working hard with them and have a lot of trust in their abilities. They showed last week that this trust is well-placed, and I expect them to demonstrate the same level of performance on Sunday.”