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As Jamie Carragher reiterated after Wednesday’s loss against Everton, Liverpool could do with a new centre-back as a priority.

Since then, reports have emerged that the Reds are looking into signing Eintracht Frankfurt defender Willian Pacho.

But speaking exclusively to Rousing The Kop, journalist Graeme Bailey has suggested another centre-back who Liverpool might like the look of.



Photo by Silas Schueller/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

One of the key protagonists of Everton’s midweek win over Liverpool was Jarrad Branthwaite.

The defender has been having an excellent season at Goodison Park, leading to a call-up to the full England team.

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Branthwaite quality was not a secret prior to his year, though.

Liverpool had reportedly been keen on signing him after seeing his excellent spell at PSV Eindhoven last year.

And according to Bailey, the Reds would likely be looking at the left-sided defender again this year if not for his exorbitant fee.

“I think if he didn’t have the price-tag Liverpool would be in for Branthwaite,” claims the journalist.

“If I was Liverpool I’d be looking across Stanley Park as well but I think the Premier League tax you pay on Branthwaite might rule him out of Liverpool.

I don’t think they’re going to spend £70-£80m on a central defender.”

As Branthwaite showed with his celebrations on Wednesday, he may not be a Scouser, but he’s Everton now.

Although that may not mean all that much through the prism of loyalty in modern day football, we think it’ll be enough to put Liverpool off here.

As Bailey says, had the price-tag been a little more palatable, maybe they could be tempted to have a go.

But if Everton are trying to get £80m for Branthwaite, then if Liverpool come in you can probably add another £20m at least to that.

Even if the 21-year-old wanted the move, there’s no one in the world Everton would rather sell to less.

If he were playing for any other club outside of the Premier League top six, then Liverpool would definitely be interested in Branthwaite.
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