Everton’s new position on Jarrad Branthwaite transfer following Man United bid

Everton are allegedly unaware of suggestions that Liverpool are contemplating a controversial trade for Jarrad Branthwaite, who is connected with Manchester United.

Despite bookmakers lowering the chances on Branthwaite joining Liverpool, officials from both clubs and people close to the England international have voiced confusion at the moves, claiming they have no idea where such talk arose. According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool and Everton have had no interaction regarding this situation.

Everton are allegedly unaware of suggestions that Liverpool are contemplating a controversial trade for Jarrad Branthwaite, who is connected with Manchester United.

Despite bookmakers lowering the chances on Branthwaite joining Liverpool, officials from both clubs and people close to the England international have voiced confusion at the moves, claiming they have no idea where such talk arose. According to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool and Everton have had no interaction regarding this situation.

Considering the high fees paid for players like Harry Maguire (£80m to United in 2019), Wesley Fofana (£75m to Chelsea in 2022) and Josko Gvardiol (£77m to Manchester City in 2023), Everton believe Branthwaite is in the same league, particularly given the premium attached to left-footed defenders and homegrown talent.

Everton have made it clear that they will not be forced into selling their England international at a low price, dismissing reports of a ‘fire sale’ at Goodison Park this summer. They are actively planning for him to stay this season unless a special offer is presented.

Rejecting two bids from United just to sell to local rivals would reflect poorly on Everton’s management in the remaining two weeks of the transfer window. No player has transferred directly between the two Merseyside clubs since Abel Xavier’s £800,000 transfer from Everton to Liverpool on January 30, 2002, six months before the birth of 22-year-old Branthwaite.

On Sunday, supporters noted that Sky Bet had surprisingly reduced the odds of Branthwaite leaving Goodison Park before the transfer window closed. He is now placed at 2/1 to make a surprise summer transfer to city rivals Liverpool.

Sky has priced United at 3/1 to sign the defender, with Manchester City (4/1) and Real Madrid (12/1) also named as potential destinations for the England international.

However, no reliable stories have linked Branthwaite with a move to Anfield. Betting odds are frequently reduced when a significant number of bets are placed, rendering the market less profitable.