Liverpool Man United Expected Engage £65m Everton Defender Branthwaite Transfer Battle

Everton's young defender Jarrad Branthwaite is at the center of a high-profile transfer battle between Premier League giants Liverpool and Manchester United, both seeking to bolster their defensive options. Branthwaite, an England international known for his physical presence and composure, is under contract with Everton until 2030, giving the club a strong negotiating position and likely commanding a premium fee estimated around £65 million. Liverpool's interest intensified after missing out on Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi, while United have long tracked Branthwaite and may test Everton with a substantial bid in the upcoming January transfer window. The defender's potential move carries risks, as transitions to larger clubs bring pressure and expectations, illustrated by previous high-profile transfers that did not always yield consistent success. Everton appears prepared to leverage Branthwaite's contract extension as a tactical advantage, possibly using it as a bargaining chip to maximize their return. This transfer saga highlights the competitive dynamics in the North West of England, as both Liverpool and United vie for promising homegrown talent to strengthen their squads.