Sky Bet has significantly reduced the odds on Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite joining Liverpool before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.
The Toffees have already turned down two bids from Manchester United for Branthwaite this summer.
Branthwaite was a standout performer during a challenging 2023/24 season at Goodison Park.
After returning from a loan spell at PSV Eindhoven, he started 35 of 38 Premier League matches last season.
His strong performances earned him a spot in England’s provisional squad for the European Championships.
Despite this, he was ultimately excluded from Gareth Southgate’s final squad, alongside high-profile players like Jack Grealish and James Maddison.
Nevertheless, Branthwaite remained in the spotlight as Manchester United, in their first transfer window under the INEOS era, made two unsuccessful bids to bring him to Old Trafford, both falling short of Everton’s asking price.
Currently, Sky Bet has reduced the odds of Branthwaite leaving Goodison Park this summer, with Liverpool now at 2/1 to secure his services.
Manchester United are priced at 3/1, while Manchester City and Real Madrid are at 4/1 and 12/1, respectively, as potential destinations for the England international.
It’s important to note that there are no credible reports linking Branthwaite, who is under contract with Everton until 2027, with a move to Liverpool.
Betting odds can often be influenced by a high volume of bets, making the market less profitable.
Last October, former Liverpool forward and ECHO columnist John Aldridge recommended Branthwaite to his old club following an impressive performance in the Merseyside derby at Anfield.
“I don’t want to upset any Evertonians by saying this, and whether Liverpool would buy from Everton is another matter as it rarely happens, but I certainly think he has got the ability to go on and become a leading figure and a starter for England,” wrote Aldridge.
“The fact Jurgen Klopp even talked him up before the game in his pre-match press conference was interesting.
“He is likely to be on the radar of other teams as well, Manchester United have already been mentioned as a possible destination, but it’s up to Everton over what they do with him.”
He added: “A left-sided centre-back is something we were in the market for during the summer transfer window, which we didn’t end up signing in the end.
“If we were to make a move for Branthwaite, he would probably cost a significant amount due to the English premium that we so often see in the game.
“Coming to Liverpool would be hard for the lad, it takes a bit of doing to make that switch across Stanley Park.
“I don’t want to upset anyone, I will stress that again, but I think he has a really bright future.”
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