Everton has initiated discussions with Jarrad Branthwaite about a potential contract extension, amid renewed transfer interest in the defender, including from Liverpool.

Branthwaite, 22, has made a name for himself as one of the Premier League's top young defenders and was the target of a £50 million ($67.5 million) bid from Manchester United last summer.

Following another impressive season with the Toffees, Branthwaite is once again drawing attention from some of Everton's Premier League rivals.

Earlier this week, it was revealed that Tottenham is eyeing up the former Carlisle United player as it looks to rejuvenate its squad under new manager Thomas Frank.

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However, Tottenham is not the only one showing an interest in Branthwaite, with Liverpool - Everton's fierce rival - also among the talented defender's admirers.

Despite this, Everton has no intention of letting Branthwaite go this summer and has already begun talks with the player's representatives to secure him with a new contract.

The Liverpool ECHO reports that keeping Branthwaite on board for the 25-26 campaign is a priority for Everton, who ended last season on a high note following the return of David Moyes.

The Scottish manager is keen to build his defense around Branthwaite, who still has two years remaining on his current deal.

However, interest from other Premier League clubs could throw a spanner in the works for Everton.

While Liverpool has shown an interest in Branthwaite, it appears it's set to intensify its pursuit of Marc Guehi, the Crystal Palace defender who was also heavily sought after by top clubs last summer.

The 24-year-old England ace was the target of two unsuccessful transfer bids from Newcastle a year ago, but is now in the final year of his contract, meaning Palace's negotiating power isn't as potent as it once was.

But Guehi's stock has risen in the last year or so, having played for England at Euro 2024 and won the FA Cup with Palace.

Guehi has been identified as a potential successor for Jarell Quansah, who is in discussions over a switch to Bayer Leverkusen

A deal, separate from the agreement that will see Florian Wirtz don the Liverpool jersey shortly, could materialize.

The Reds are also nearing a deal for Milos Kerkez, who would arrive from Bournemouth, while they are reportedly scouting for a new striker with Darwin Nunez expected to depart in the transfer window.


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