Liverpool haven’t signed a player directly from Everton since Abel Xavier crossed Stanley Park in 2002, but that record could soon be broken.

There are always rumours linking the Reds with whoever is performing well for their neighbours, but as form fades so too do the tenuous transfer links.

That is how things usually go in Merseyside, but there is one Blue that has continued to be linked with a switch to the more successful Liverpool-based club, and things are heating up again.

Jarrad Branthwaite has been on the Reds’ radar for years, and a move across Liverpool has been touted for some time, but now the Englishman may finally be switching sides.

That’s according to a report from Football Insider that claims the 20-time Premier League champions have begun working on a deal that would see the 24-year-old move to Anfield next summer.

Branthwaite signed a new deal at the Hill Dickinson last season, extending his contract until 2030, so Everton are in a strong position to set a hefty asking price.

That might not deter Liverpool from pursuing the defender however, according to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown who told Football Insider Liverpool have been ‘watching Branthwaite closely’ as a potential successor to Virgil van Dijk.

The report states that Liverpool have sent scouts to watch the 24-year-old who has been in good form so far this season.