Liverpool are reportedly set to challenge Manchester United to the signing of defender Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton.

• Man Utd had Branthwaite bids rejected
• Liverpool could make January offer
• Centre-back may be Van Dijk's replacement

WHAT HAPPENED?

Liverpool are eager to sign the centre-back from their Merseyside rivals in January, the Daily Mail reports. The Reds were said to be considering making an offer for the defender in late-August before the summer transfer window closed.

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United have long been admirers of Branthwaite, however, and saw two bids rejected by the Toffees. The Red Devils have since splashed out on Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt, so will have to wait until next summer if they are to have a chance of signing him.

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That could be too late, however, as Liverpool could opt to match Everton's asking price and the defender's wage demands when the transfer window opens again at the start of 2025, with the Anfield club said to be looking for a successor for Virgil van Dijk.

WHAT NEXT FOR BRANTHWAITE?

Branthwaite's contract expires in 2027 but the 22-year-old is unlikely to commit to a new deal, so Everton may decide to cash-in on him in the next transfer window.