Everton are now said to be willing to sell centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite if they are relegated this season, following transfer interest from Liverpool.
That’s according to CalcioMercato, who claim that the Reds face competition from Manchester United and Roma to land the 20-year-old.
As per the report, the Toffees will only allow the youngster to leave this summer if Sean Dyche fails to keep the side in the Premier League.
The Blues will look positively on selling the defender if they are relegated this term, as it would help balance the books at Goodison Park.
As he is currently on loan with PSV Eindhoven, the Daily Mail have claimed that Liverpool scouts, along with other recruiters, have been sent to the Netherlands to monitor the player.
Having excelled in the Eredivisie, PSV made a £15m bid for Branthwaite in January, which Everton decided to reject.
Everton could sell Liverpool target Branthwaite
Liverpool could be enticed into the transfer market this summer, given the form of some of their defenders.
Joel Matip has been one player who hasn’t been up to his usual standards this season. Last year, on occasions, he looked near world-class – with a supreme confidence at the back.
However, this campaign, he seems to be physically struggling with challenges, he is slower than before, and he looks rather nervy on the ball.
Consequently, at 31-years-old, Matip could be a player who is moved on.
Furthermore, Joe Gomez has been rather inconsistent this term. One game he is absolutely fantastic at centre-back. The next, he looks like a completely different player.
At 25 years old, his resale value will be quite strong. This could thus be an eventuality, or he could remain as a back-up in central defence or at right-back.
Finally, with Nat Phillips more than likely to leave at the end of the season, the Merseyside outfit will need additions at the back this summer.
Therefore, Branthwaite could be an ideal proposition for the club.
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