The race for Jarrad Branthwaite is very much on after Everton boss Sean Dyche admitted the Toffees could not resist a big offer for the centre-back in January.

The 22-year-old has been chased by a number of top clubs and Manchester United were in talks to sign the player in the summer - though failed to meet Everton's £75million valuation.

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Everton could be swayed with a lower offer in January, however, with the club needing funds to strengthen their squad amid their ongoing battle against relegation.

Dyche said: "The current decision would be that it is likely that if somebody bid enough money for any player - by the way forget about Jarrad it is not relevant [just to mention] Jarrad - any player at this football club as you have seen over the last couple of windows.

United are already stocked with defenders but after a long-term injury to new signing Leny Yoro and Harry Maguire likely to leave next summer, incoming boss Ruben Amorim will want more quality depth at the back.

Even though United have just signed Matthijs de Ligt and also have Lisandro Martinez and Victor Lindelof, the club have looked suspect in defence this season and Branthwaite would add much-needed depth.

United were reportedly alerted to the possibility of Branthwaite being up for sale this week and Dyche's words will have done nothing to deter them.

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Doing so would make him public enemy No 1 but this summer there was a point where it looked like it could happen.

In August, odds among one bookmaker were slashed for Branthwaite to join Liverpool after United's bids for the player were turned down.

New Reds boss Arne Slot has assembled the best defence in the Premier League so far, with his side letting in only six goals - with Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate looking imperious at the back.

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But there was a point where Slot was believed to want to upgrade on his back-up options, including Joe Gomez and Jarrell Quansah - and with Branthwaite seen as one of the best young defenders in England, he would certainly fit the bill.

But any move across Merseyside would surely be unthinkable for the player and Everton.
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