Liverpool and Man United target willing to sign new contract

Premier League leaders Liverpool restored their lead at the top of the table to seven points with a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Wolves on Sunday. 

Luis Diaz put the Reds in front in the first-half at Anfield, before talisman Mohamed Salah doubled the hosts’ advantage from the penalty spot before the break.

Arne Slot’s side looked to be cruising to a comfortable victory before Matheus Cunha’s sublime curled effort halved their advantage in the second-half.

Liverpool held on, however, to secure a crucial victory and restore their seven-point lead over Arsenal at the top of the Premier League standings.

Off the pitch, though, it appears that the Reds may soon be dealt a transfer blow.

According to TBR Football, Everton are confident that defender Jarrad Branthwaite is open to the idea of signing a new contract with the Toffees despite significant interest in him from elsewhere.

The report claims that Merseyside rivals Liverpool have shown interest in the England international, who is enjoying a fine season at Goodison Park.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim is said to have set his sights on the defender as he looks to bolster his squad this summer.

Branthwaite has attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs

Chelsea, Arsenal and Spanish giants Real Madrid are all also said to have been monitoring the 22-year-old centre-back.

Branthwaite’s current contract with Everton is set to expire in 2027, but the report claims that the club feel he will commit his future beyond that date.

It is suggested that the Englishman is open to the idea of spending at least one more season with the Toffees in order to assess what life at the club is like under their new ownership.

The defender joined Everton from boyhood club Carlisle United in 2020 and has since spent time on loan at both Blackburn Rovers and PSV Eindhoven.

In total he has made 74 appearances for Everton across all competitions, and he also earned his senior England debut against Bosnia-Herzegovina in June last year.