Report: Liverpool could sign Everton’s best player next summer

Liverpool have reportedly started working on a permanent transfer deal to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite next summer, according to a report from Football Insider. The Reds have sent scouts to monitor the 24-year-old England international, who is viewed as a potential long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

Branthwaite is currently under contract with Everton until 2030, giving his club a strong position to demand a significant fee. Liverpool have not signed a player directly from their Merseyside rivals since Abel Xavier made the switch in 2002.