A major transfer report has placed Everton’s biggest decision under the spotlight, with Liverpool showing serious interest in a defender valued at £80 million.

Everton continue to place that figure on Jarrad Branthwaite and, according to recent reporting from Pete O’Rourke , have no intention of selling the 24-year-old. The club regard him as an elite Premier League centre-back when fit, while his current form has strengthened that belief.

Branthwaite has played every minute of Everton ’s Premier League campaign so far this season. After a difficult 2025-26 campaign, when hamstring problems restricted him to 10 league appearances, that run represents a major change. He returned to full fitness during pre-season and has restored his standing at club level once again.

His England recall adds another factor. Thomas Tuchel selected Branthwaite for the Nations League window, then sent him on late during England’s 3-2 defeat by Spain at Wembley on 26 September. It marked his second senior cap, following his debut against Bosnia and Herzegovina in June 2024.

That return matters because Everton ’s valuation rests on his age, physical qualities, left-footed profile and potential to become a regular England defender. Manchester United discovered the club’s stance in 2024, when Everton rejected an initial £35 million offer before turning down a second proposal worth around £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has said Liverpool are working on a possible move for next summer. Their scouts have repeatedly watched Branthwaite, while the club carries out background work before deciding whether to make a formal approach. Brown believes Liverpool view the Everton defender as a possible long-term successor to Virgil van Dijk.

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 06: Jarrad Branthwaite of Everton during the Premier League 2026/27 match between Everton and Manchester United at Hill Dickinson Stadium on September 06, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Carl Recine/Carl Recine/Getty Images)

That creates a different problem from Manchester United’s interest in the Everton defender now. A sale for £80 million could provide financial room, particularly for a club that has dealt with Profit and Sustainability Rules pressure. It could help David Moyes reshape his squad.