Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite (Credit: Imago)

HomeTransfers Tue 8 October 2024 8:40, UK

Liverpool will have to "significantly overpay" to secure Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite next summer, according to Ben Jacobs.

Arne Slot's side has been linked with a move for the England international, but reports suggest that the Reds are yet to make any contact with the Toffees over signing the defender [Liverpool Echo, 3 October].

While Manchester United returning to the race hasn't been ruled out, sports broadcaster Jacobs has admitted he doesn't expect Liverpool to pursue a deal for Branthwaite this summer.

Speaking to Give Me Sport on Monday (7 October) he said: "Suggestions that Liverpool will be the club in 2025 to enter the race, rather than Manchester United returning, are premature, according to my understanding at the moment.

"Liverpool haven't made any kind of meaningful approach yet to Everton for Branthwaite.

"If you look at how Liverpool do business, how they come to a valuation - and how they often walk away when there is no value to be had - Branthwaite, on paper, doesn't feel like a very Liverpool deal.

"They would have to significantly overpay on his market valuation."

Will Jarrad Branthwaite exit Everton amid Manchester United transfer rumours? Even when Everton's financial position has been weak at Goodison Park, the Toffees have been incredibly reluctant to sell Branthwaite for anything below their valuation.

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Throughout the summer, they were unwilling to negotiate with Manchester United and it is even less likely that they will be rolling the red carpet out to allow their Merseyside rivals to come and poach their brightest talent.

As Jacobs suggests, Liverpool don't tend to overpay for players and that feels unlikely to change next summer. Most clubs seem to feel that the Toffees' valuation is too high, but that will matter very little to Sean Dyche's side.

Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton and England They don't want to lose Branthwaite and because of that, they're looking to almost price him out of a move. While the Blues aren't desperate for cash, that approach makes perfect sense.

Hopefully, nobody will match Everton's valuation either in January or next summer and Branthwaite can remain a Toffees player for a little while longer.

In other Everton news, Dyche has been exhausted at Goodison Park after a recent incident against Newcastle United