Liverpool planning last-minute signing of Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite
Liverpool are planning a bold move to sign Everton Centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite during the final stages of the window, according to The sun.
The 22-year-old was the subject of persistent interest from Manchester United earlier this summer, but the signing failed to materialise after a £50m bid was rejected and Everton demanded a higher price.
The one-time England international looks set to still face a potential exit from Goodison Park, with The sun revealing that Liverpool manager Arne Slot is a big admirer of the defensive ace and that the Reds are considering a last-minute signing.
The report adds that Liverpool will submit a bid worth £63m with a further £7m in add-ons, taking the deal to a value of up to £70m for Everton. Sun He goes on to say that Liverpool are “growing in confidence” that they will be able to reach an agreement with their Mersey rivals to sign Branthwaite.
According The sunBranthwaite is open to a move to a “high-profile club” such as Liverpool, where his £60,000-a-week wages would triple if a move goes through.
Branthwaite would be a smart signing for Liverpool
Liverpool prepare for the remaining days of summer transfer window and are accelerating their efforts to renew the team during the last week of the window.
In terms of spending, the club recently completed the sale of Sepp van den Berg to Brentford for £30m, while holding out for a higher fee for the sale of Joe Gomez after previously rejecting a £45m offer from Newcastle United This summer, according to the report.
19-year-old midfielder Bobby Clark has also made a permanent £10million transfer to Red Bull Salzburg, managed by former Liverpool assistant coach Pep Lijnders.
It seems only a matter of time before Liverpool land their first target of the summer after reaching an agreement with Valencia to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili for £30m.
Branthwaite could be the next to move to Anfield with The sun reporting that the Reds are willing to make a £70m bid to sign the combative defender.
The Englishman's defensive ability, as well as his ball-playing prowess, would be vital assets to Slot's compact, possession-based football. He would be a smart signing for Liverpool if he joins the club this summer.
