England star WILL be tempted by Liverpool move

Liverpool are facing some concerns in the centre-back area - both in the short and long term.

The injury to Giovanni Leoni was a bitter blow for the 18-year-old but also left the Reds with only THREE senior fit central defensive options.

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Arne Slot has got Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez at his disposal - but could easily lose two of those in the next 12 months.

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If Konate doesn’t renew his contract then he will be leaving for free in 2026 - likely to Real Madrid.

Liverpool linked with several new centre-backs

And Gomez - who is contracted until 2027 - is of interest to AC Milan and if an appropriate bid is made then it could be tempting for sporting director Richard Hughes to cash in.

Recent weeks have brought links to some incoming centre-backs - including Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace as well as Brighton’s Jan Paul van Hecke and Youri Baas of Ajax.

Another name has now re-emerged in the shape of Jarrad Branthwaite - Everton’s 23-year-old England international.

The strapping defender was heavily linked with Liverpool as well as Manchester United last year but ultimately stayed put and signed a new deal with the Toffees.

Liverpool to contest Man Utd for Branthwaite

According to the Mirror, Merseyside neighbours Liverpool have now reactivated their interest in Branthwaite - but are going to have to face down Man Utd in a transfer battle for the stopper.

“Manchester United and bitter rivals Liverpool are on a collision course in the transfer market once more - over Everton and England defender Jarrad Branthwaite,” the report reads.

“United boss Ruben Amorim is planning for life without Maguire next season, while he also has doubts about the long-term fitness of injury prone defender Lisandro Martinez.

“That will see United move for Branthwaite again - but Liverpool are also very keen on the 23 year-old.

“It remains to be seen whether Branthwaite would be willing to make the move across Merseyside, but it hasn't stopped others in the past.”

Liverpool more tempting for Branthwaite

Branthwaite is currently nursing a thigh injury and is yet to play for Everton this season.

There is no doubting his quality and potential however and Liverpool will soon require a full centre-back refit.

“A move to Liverpool rather than United is likely to be more tempting,” admits the Mirror.

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