Liverpool are reportedly prepared to hijack Manchester United's pursuit of Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
The Everton defender attracted significant interest in the summer after he impressed during his 35 Premier League appearances last season.
Man United pushed hard to secure Braithwaite's services, submitting two offers to Everton, including a second bid believed to be around £50m.
However, Everton ultimately rejected Man United's proposals as they refused to budge from their £70m asking price.
Man United went on to bolster their backline with the additions of Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt from Lille and Bayern Munich respectively.
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Liverpool ready to steal march on Man United
Although they have strengthened their defence, Man United are still expected to renew their interest in Branthwaite in 2025.
However, Man United are unlikely to have a free path to Branthwaite's signature, with the Red Devils set to face competition from one of their biggest rivals.
According to the Daily Mail, Liverpool are keen to sign Branthwaite from their local rivals and could steal a march on Man United in the January transfer window.
The report claims that Man United are likely to put their efforts into signing a forward in January and as a result, they could delay their pursuit of Branthwaite until next summer's transfer window.
Meanwhile, Liverpool could decide to pursue a January move and may have the means of offering something close to Everton's asking price.
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Why are Liverpool interested in Branthwaite?
Liverpool currently have four senior central defenders in their squad following the summer departures of Joel Matip and Sepp van den Berg.
Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate are regarded as Arne Slot's first-choice centre-back pairing, while Joe Gomez and Jarell Quansah are the current backup options.
Liverpool may be keen to add further depth to their defensive options to prepare their squad for any potential injuries.
There is also uncertainty surrounding Van Dijk's long-term future, with his current contract set to expire at the end of the season.
Gomez's Liverpool future could also become the subject of speculation in 2025 after the 27-year-old was linked with a move away in the recent summer transfer window.
