Liverpool working on an audacious swoop to sign £34m PL star – report

Liverpool are reportedly working on a permanent deal to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Football Insider. The Reds are exploring potential replacements for Virgil van Dijk, whose contract is set to expire at the end of the season. However, completing a transfer may prove challenging due to the intense rivalry between the Merseyside clubs.

Everton are reluctant to allow the 6ft 4in defender to leave cheaply after securing him to a contract through 2030. Liverpool's current central defensive options include Ronald Araujo on loan from Barcelona, along with Giovanni Leoni, Jeremy Jacquet, and Joe Gomez, leaving the club short of natural left-sided center-backs.