Liverpool could exploit Man United hesitance to land Jarrad Branthwaite transfer coup

Switching from the blue half of Liverpool to the red half is seen as incomprehensible for most supporters. However, when it comes to modern-day football, neither Everton nor the Reds can turn down the prospect of doing business should the right deal be on the table for all involved.

After being surprisingly linked with him in the summer transfer window, Jarrad Branthwaite remains a player who remains on the radar of Liverpool, according to reports in the national press. The Echo understands that talk of Arne Slot's club being firm admirers of the Englishman and ready to make a move are wide of the mark at this stage, but that can easily change.

Despite a great start to the Slot tenure, it would be naive to suggest that the Dutchman is not looking for improvements, particularly to his defence. Unlike many of their Premier League rivals, Liverpool endured a quiet and sometimes frustrating transfer window.

READ MORE: Everton response to fresh claims over Jarrad Branthwaite making controversial Liverpool transfer

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But the positive slant on that is money should be available in January to make moves when rivals cannot. According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United are looking to postpone a move for Branthwaite until the summer with a striker still the priority before switching their attention to the Everton defender.

But this hesitancy could be United's undoing, especially if Liverpool decides to accelerate their interest in Branthwaite during the winter months. Considering the risks of Financial Fair Play (FFP), no other club is likely to be in a better position than Liverpool to try and sway Branthwaite to their club in January.

The only concern is that Everton will slap a premium price tag to avoid selling their centre-back to their fiercest rivals. We already know that the Blues want a figure in the region of £77m which Manchester City paid for Josko Gvardiol.

This could increase more to put Liverpool off if they decide to go ahead with a deal. What's more, Everton feel they are in no position to sell Branthwaite, especially with there being no pressing FFP concerns at present.

However, if the Reds weren't to at least try to sign Branthwaite this winter when competition is non-existent, they may live to regret it.

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