Liverpool can hurt both Everton and Man Utd with ONE key signing

Liverpool are thriving under new head coach Arne Slot and the Reds now have the chance to get one over on two of their biggest rivals.

Slot has Liverpool top of the Premier League and also boasts a perfect record in both the UEFA Champions League and the Carabao Cup.

Although supporters would have been hopeful for a good start, Liverpool have defied expectations and the Reds are playing free-flowing attacking football whilst also looking incredibly solid at the back.

Despite this defensive solidity Liverpool are reportedly in the market for another defender, and they have the chance to get one over on two of their biggest rivals by signing one target.

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Branthwaite in a Liverpool shirt

Recent reports suggest that Liverpool have reignited their interest in long-term target Jarrad Branthwaite and that they could make a move for the Everton star in January.

Branthwaite is widely regarded as one of Everton’s best players, and it would wind the Toffees up to no end to see their star man playing for Liverpool, but the 22-year-old has also been the subject of heavy interest from Manchester United.

This means that by signing Branthwaite, Liverpool wouldn’t only be poaching their city rival’s best player but would also be stealing their fiercest rival’s number one target.

On top of that, Liverpool would also be getting one of the most exciting prospects in the Premier League and would be future proofing their defence for years to come.

Liverpool’s defensive unit

The Reds have a very solid defensive unit under Slot, with Ibrahima Konate truly stepping up in recent weeks, but Virgil van Dijk has less than a year left on his remaining contract and could leave Anfield for free at the end of the season.

Joe Gomez’s future in Merseyside is also less than certain after a turbulent summer and the signing of Branthwaite would offer security beyond this season to Liverpool’s back line.

Branthwaite’s transfer value is estimated to be around €33.2 million by Football Transfers but it is believed that Everton will want closer to the £70 million they were demanding from Manchester United in the summer.

Liverpool vs Manchester United in the transfer window

Over the last few years Liverpool and Manchester United have locked horns over a number of players and it has tended to end very well for the Reds when they’ve landed their man.

Sadio Mane, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch are just a few recent examples of players that Liverpool have pipped Man United too and all three ended up putting in many great performances for Liverpool, especially against Manchester United.

Now Liverpool can recreate this success by swooping on Branthwaite and securing his services ahead of the Red Devils.

This would not only break Manchester United hearts but also Everton hearts and could end up being many Liverpool supporters favourite transfer.