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Liverpool look a touch light in the defence as they head into a busy start to 2025.

The Reds could arguably have done with a new defensive addition during the summer transfer window, but pushed ahead with what they already had.

So far that has proven to be no bad thing, with Ibrahima Konate excelling alongside Virgil van Dijk for the most part.

But Konate is now injured and Jarell Quansah is struggling for form.

Beyond that pair, there is no real depth at all.

As a result, Liverpool look likely to have to do something slightly major in their defence in 2025.

One of the players said to be on the Reds’ shortlist is Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

And with another transfer window nearly upon us, the chances of Liverpool raiding their rivals has been newly assessed.

Photo by Vince Mignott/MB Media/Getty Images

Liverpool were linked with Branthwaite while he was out on-loan at PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23.

Since then, the 22-year-old has made the breakthrough at Everton and is now a key player under Sean Dyche.

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As a result of his good form, though, Give Me Sport report that Liverpool, Man United and Man City are all still hoping to lure Branthwaite away from the Toffees.

Everton are reportedly ‘desperate’ to keep their centre-back, however, and are said to have put an £80m January price-tag on Branthwaite in order to deter the interested trio.

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It’s claimed that this tactic is likely to work, with Liverpool, United and City said to be facing ‘an uphill battle’ to land Branthwaite in the New Year.

Instead, having reportedly added the England international to their shortlist a ‘number of months’ ago, Liverpool are claimed to be more interested in striking a summer deal with their Merseyside rivals.

If Liverpool had wanted to sign Branthwaite, the time to do that was surely while he was still a promising youngster at Carlisle.

Once the defender moved to Everton, Liverpool’s chances of ever getting him decreased dramatically.

That is a shame, as it’s clear that the Reds do like him as a player.

There have even been claims that Liverpool see Branthwaite as a possible partner for Quansah in the long-term.

Jamie Carragher also described Branthwaite as ‘pretty special’ on Sky Sports last February,

Described as ‘cool, calm and composed’ by Liverpool legend Carragher, it’s obvious why the Reds would be interested in him.

But with a ludicrously high valuation and with Everton surely keen to send him anywhere but Liverpool, it doesn’t feel like Branthwaite will ever swap blue for red.
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