Liverpool have entered the race for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite, positioning the England international as a potential long-term replacement for the ageing Virgil van Dijk.

The 24-year-old has rediscovered his best form under David Moyes this campaign, catching the eye of several leading European sides. Liverpool scouts are now said to be tracking his progress closely as the club weighs up defensive reinforcements for the years ahead.

Could Branthwaite Be Van Dijk’s Long-Term Successor?

According to former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown, speaking to Football Insider, Liverpool have carried out extensive background checks on Branthwaite and rate him highly as a left-footed central defender.

With van Dijk’s contract running down next summer, Liverpool’s recruitment team appear keen to plan ahead. Branthwaite’s Premier League pedigree, physical profile and relative youth tick plenty of boxes. Notably, Liverpool haven’t signed a player straight from Everton since 2002, so any move would represent a significant departure from precedent given the Merseyside rivalry.

Complicating matters further, Branthwaite penned a fresh long-term deal at Goodison Park last summer that runs until 2030, handing Everton considerable leverage in any negotiation.

United’s Interest Adds Competition

Liverpool aren’t alone in their admiration. Manchester United have also been building a dossier on Branthwaite, continuing to assess his temperament and long-term fit as they search for defensive reinforcements of their own.

Brown noted that Liverpool’s proximity to Everton makes regular scouting straightforward, giving them a clear advantage in gathering intelligence. Should Branthwaite’s stock continue rising, expect suitors to circle harder.

Personally, I’d argue United look the more natural destination here — their existing ties with Everton and lack of derby baggage could make negotiations far smoother than anything Liverpool might attempt. For now, though, this remains firmly in the information-gathering stage rather than active pursuit.