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Branthwaite ‘to consider Liverpool offer’ amid ‘surprise’ Everton transfer news

Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite could have his head turned by Liverpool this summer.

Branthwaite has been a key player for David Moyes since the Scottish tactician returned to Goodison. As a result, the Toffees could offer the defender as much as £150,000-a-week to tie him down to a new contract on Merseyside.

However, Branthwaite is thought to be ready to test himself at a new level, which could spell trouble for Moyes’ side, especially with a host of top European clubs interested in his services.

Real Madrid are one of those clubs, with the Spanish giants having discussed the possibility of signing Branthwaite [TEAMtalk] in a move which would see the Englishman reunite with the man who gave him his Everton debut, Carlo Ancelotti.

However, the 22-year-old could instead choose to make the short trip across Stanley Park.

Liverpool in the race to sign Branthwaite from Everton

As reported by CaughtOffside (25 February), Manchester United, Tottenham and Liverpool are all in the race to sign Branthwaite, who is expected to cost more than £70million this summer.

However, while ex-Goodison scout Bryan King – speaking exclusively to Goodison News – believes Branthwaite would consider a proposal from the Reds, he thinks a move elsewhere is more likely to materialise.

“It has happened before,” King said.

“Players have gone both ways between Everton and Liverpool, that is for sure. Looking at someone like Virgil van Dijk, Branthwaite is a long way off that level. Therefore, it surprises me that Liverpool are looking at Branthwaite.

“I’m sure he would consider the move. However, I cannot see that happening. I think there is more of a chance of him joining a Manchester club or heading to London, but anybody would consider an offer from the team that looks as though they’re going to win the Premier League.”

Everton cannot let Branthwaite join Liverpool

Even if Liverpool make the best offer for Branthwaite, Everton need to do all they can to ensure he doesn’t join the club.

If that means taking less money from Manchester United or Tottenham, so be it.

The Toffees cannot afford to let one of their best players, arguably their best, join their fiercest rivals in a big summer ahead of their move to Bramley-Moore Dock.