Jarrad Branthwaite £70m bid, Anthony Gordon move - Liverpool could exploit PSR transfer issues

While June 30 represents a significant date for Premier League clubs with concerns over Profit and Sustainability Rules, Liverpool are watching on with no such concerns.

The likes of Newcastle United, Chelsea, Leicester City and Aston Villa are said to be in need of income on to their books by Sunday to avoid falling foul of rules that permit loses of £105m across three-year accounting periods.

Nottingham Forest and Everton have already fallen foul of such breaches with both being given points deductions last season and as the scramble to offload continues, the Reds are looking on.

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The ECHO's Liverpool writers were asked to chose one dream signing from clubs who need to sell before that deadline. Here's who they chose:

Paul Gorst

Newcastle United striker would score a boat-load of goals at Liverpool

Liverpool have made something of a habit of poaching players from relegated sides in recent years, from Xherdan Shaqiri and Gini Wijnaldum through to Danny Ings, Andy Robertson and even Harvey Elliott, technically. And while this is not necessarily the same question, it does at raise the prospect of an opportunistic dive into the market for a cut-price addition.

There's plenty of talent you could make a case for when it comes to this one. From the potential of Murillo at Nottingham Forest, a possible long-term solution on the left side of centre-back, through to players like Jacob Ramsey at Aston Villa and any number of Chelsea stars such as Christopher Nkunku, Levi Colwill and even Moises Caicedo.

But while some of my colleagues have gone for more eye-catching and provocative deals (read on below), I've decided to sit on the fence somewhat and choose Alexander Isak of Newcastle United.

It was reported this week that Newcastle remain optimistic they can stay within PSR rules without selling Isak or Bruno Guimaraes but Yankuba Minteh's decision to reportedly snub a £40m away from the club will only exacerbate the issue for the Magpies.

Sweden international Isak has had his injury problems while at St James' Park but he is a ruthless operator who has a superb range of finishing in front of goal.

He would score goals by the boat-load given the chances at Anfield and with the Magpies keen to bring in some funds to help them renew their charge for a European push this coming campaign, the chance of having Isak leading the line for the Reds would by my pick.

Theo Squires

If Manchester United won't cough up £70m for Jarrad Branthwaite, Liverpool should!

At the risk of enraging our Everton counterparts, I'd love to see Liverpool move for Jarrad Branthwaite.

While a centre-back might not be an immediate priority for the Reds, should they miss out on Leny Yoro, the England international could be the perfect long-term replacement for Virgil van Dijk. Still only 21 years old, he's the real deal and shone alongside Jarell Quansah for England Under-21s.

Such a centre-back partnership will surely be first-choice for the England senior squad one day, but it would be great if Liverpool were able to bring it to Anfield too with Reds coaches already backing the pair as future Three Lions pairing. Of course, such a prospect is unlikely given the rivalry between the Merseyside rivals. But if the Blues' hands were to be forced by PSR...

Manchester United are the side currently looking to snap up the defender, but have been scared off by a £70m price tag. If they won't pay it, then Liverpool should. In Van Dijk, they've seen before how it pays off when you cough up for quality. And with Everton set to move to their new stadium in 2025, it would be the last ever chance to sign a player from across Stanley Park.

Looking elsewhere, how could you not be attracted by Cole Palmer? A 25-goal season in his first year with Chelsea, the 22-year-old is the real deal. With the Reds in need for a long-term successor for Mohamed Salah as well as Van Dijk, they could do a lot worse than turning to the former Man City man.

Beth Lindop

Anthony Gordon development cannot be ignored - and he's a boyhood Red!

It's not a statement I'd have envisaged making 18 months ago but I'd be really keen to see Liverpool make a move for Anthony Gordon. I'll admit, I was slightly bemused by Newcastle's decision to fork out a reported £40m for the forward back in January 2023 but his performances last season have certainly changed my mind.

That explosivity we saw during his early days at Everton has returned and his output - 10 goals and 11 assists in the Premier League - is impressive considering he is only 23. With Luis Diaz having been linked with a move elsewhere and Newcastle reportedly needing to raise some cash to remain compliant with PSR rules, I'd love Liverpool to try their luck at bringing the childhood Red to Anfield.