LIVERPOOL and Manchester United have sent scouts to watch centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, according to reports.
The 20-year-old defender is currently on loan at Eredivisie side PSV.
The English centre-back has appeared in 18 games for the Dutch club this season.
His performances and nature as a far rarer left-footed centre-back are said to be piquing the interest of the two English giants.
And according to the Daily Mail, they will both send scouts to watch Branthwaite and keep an eye on his progress throughout the rest of the season.
Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag has made no secret for his desire to have a left-footed player on the left side of his defence, with Lisandro Martinez one of the priority signings for him last summer.
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Jose Mourinho’s Roma are also sending scouts in the hope of landing the defender.
Branthwaite, who has a contract which runs until 2025 at Goodison Park, has benefitted from the faith shown in him from boss Ruud van Nistelrooy.
Current Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti originally handed the ex-Carlisle star his debut, but he then lost his confidence under his successor Frank Lampard.
With this climaxing with his sending off against Brentford near the end of the season.
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But despite his development seemingly going well, Everton could be convinced to sell up if they lose their Premier League place at the end of the season.
Naturally, Everton’s fierce rivalry with Liverpool could see them prefer to sell the defender to another club, but with their Prem status under threat, choices may be limited.
Reaction from Liverpool fans about the link was less than welcoming to say the least.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “This makes no sense at all.”
A second declared: “Rock bottom if we sign a player 18th placed our massive rival Everton don’t want.”
Another blasted: “Joke club!!”
New Everton manager Sean Dyche made an immediate impact by guiding the Toffees to a 1-0 win over league leaders Arsenal.
However, they still remain in the relegation zone, albeit only due to an inferior goal difference to Leeds United, who recently sacked Jesse Marsch.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
