Everton 'confident' of blocking Jarrad Branthwaite from joining Liverpool

Everton are confident of keeping hold of Jarrad Branthwaite beyond the 2027 transfer windows despite growing interest.

The 24-year-old has enjoyed an outstanding start to the season in David Moyes' side, and has joined up with Thomas Tuchel's England squad during the international break.

Despite not having featured in the Three Lions' 3-2 defeat against World Champions Spain on 26 September, his overall displays have caught the eye of Europe's top clubs.

However, former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Everton are confident they can convince Branthwaite to stay until at least the end of the 2027-28 season.

After a strong start to the season, Moyes is putting ambitious plans in place at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the centre-back set to play a crucial role.

Meanwhile, there are concerns elsewhere about Branthwaite's injury record, and he will be given time to prove his consistency and availability before they make moves.

How do Everton feel about losing Jarrad Branthwaite?

Football Insider revealed on 19 September that Everton have placed a "huge" price tag on Branthwaite's head in an attempt to deter his potenital suitors ahead of next summer.

Man United saw a £50million offer rejcted by Everton back in 2024, and two years later, his asking price is believed to have skyrocketed beyond that valuation.

Everton are under no pressure to sell Branthwaite in the near future after he penned a long-term contract to extend his stay until 2030, and believe he will stay.

"Everton aren't going to be too worried about Branthwaite at the moment," Brown told Football Insider.

"They're pretty confident they can keep hold of him, because he's under a long-term contract and he's obviously a very important part of what Moyesy is doing there.

"He'll be happy to be back in the team, playing every week and playing at a high level as well, that's what's attracing this interest.

"But that's what he needs to keep doing, because he's had these injury issues which are going to be a concern for the top clubs when they're having a look at him.

"If he can't stay fit and can't go more than a few games without being out injured again, then he's not going to make a big move. They won't take the risk.

"For Everton, they want to get at least another season out of him. After this year, I mean, so until the end of next season when he can stay and be a big part of what they're doing.

"If he can stay fit and continue to prove himself in that time, then the interest won't be going anywhere and he'll only be getting better, so it makes sense for everybody."

Could Liverpool make a move for Branthwaite?

Amid suggestions of a big move for Branthwaite, a number of Premier League clubs and those across Europe have been keeping a close eye on his situation.

Man United have been long-term admirers of the centre-back and have been tipped to reignite their interest, while Real Madrid are also being tipped to return with a move.

Meanwhile, Brown told Football Insider on 24 September that Liverpool have emerged as contenders for Branthwaite and have been working on a deal behind the scenes.

The Reds are stepping up their efforts to identify new left-sided centre-backs in a bid to replace Virgil van Dijk, and feel the England international could be ideal.

However, Liverpool have not signed a player directly from Everton since 2002, and the rivalry between the clubs would likely make any deal difficult for them to pull off.