Everton response to fresh claims over Jarrad Branthwaite making controversial Liverpool transfer

Everton are not concerned about a January transfer window raid by Liverpool for star player Jarrad Branthwaite, according to a report.

The 22-year-old, who has not played for the Blues since the controversial last-gasp defeat at title-chasing Arsenal on the final day of last

season, made a triumphant return to Sean Dyche’s side on Saturday.

According to the Daily Mail, Manchester United’s plans to launch a new bid for Branthwaite next summer are at risk of being hijacked by

Liverpool. According to the article, Old Trafford officials are now focusing on finding a new forward, while Liverpool, “on the other hand,

are firm admirers of Branthwaite and could feasibly move for him in January, as well as offering Everton closer to what they want.”

Despite the speculative reporting, the ECHO knows that nothing has changed since bookmakers reduced the odds of Branthwaite joining

Liverpool in August. Back then, both club insiders and those close to the England international’s camp were perplexed by the

developments, claiming to be ignorant of the source of such conjecture, with Everton and Liverpool having made no contact on the

subject.

Although Everton’s top brass has been tight-lipped about prospective Liverpool interest in Branthwaite, the club believes they will be in a

strong position if more interest in the England international emerges. As Joe Thomas revealed on Tuesday, the Blues went into this

summer’s transfer window knowing they needed to sell, but they were determined to keep the great centre-back and expecting to channel

the market in such a way that it would help make that dream come true.

JUST IN: Everton response to fresh claims over Jarrad Branthwaite making controversial Liverpool transfer