Liverpool interest in forbidden £80M target is described as “concrete”

Liverpool have a forbidden interest in Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports, which has been described as “concrete”.

For many supporters, the main priorities in the summer transfer window were to replace Joel Matip and to sign a top-class defensive midfielder.

Ryan Gravenberch appears to be set to take up the mantle as the latter but the lack of a centre-back signing has a few fans feeling nervous about what kind of impact injuries could have on the squad.

Even though Liverpool did not sign a new central defender, it appears they have not stopped looking at options and one of their favourite targets is just a short car ride away.

Everton’s Branthwaite.

Latest report linking Liverpool with ‘behind-the-scenes’ move to sign Branthwaite

Jarrad Branthwaite. Credit: Imago Images

Branthwaite was a goalscorer for Everton in their 2-0 win over Liverpool in the Premier League in April. If he ever does sign for the Reds (unlikely as it is), Liverpool fans will have to forget about the defender thumping the Everton badge in celebration…

All the same, Football Insider are reporting that Liverpool’s interest in signing Branthwaite is “concrete” and “active” although they provide little clarification on what that really means.

The FI report suggests that all the speculation surrounding this transfer came from Liverpool reaching out to the 22-year-old’s agent.

Branthwaite is said to be interested in making what has been considered a forbidden transfer in the 22 years since Abel Xavier made the switch from Goodison Park to Anfield in 2002.

Everton value the young defender at a prohibitive £80 million with Branthwaite under contract with the Blues until 2027 which makes this an incredibly complex deal to complete.