It's clear that Liverpool will be in need of a major squad overhaul this summer.
The team has been allowed to grow incredibly stale over the last couple of years, with the consequences of that now playing out on the pitch. Their results have been nothing short of disastrous up to this point of the campaign, with a top four finish looking very unlikely as things stand.
Midfield will be the main position of focus during the next transfer window, with the likes of Jude Bellingham and Matheus Nunes rumoured to be targets.
However, the centre of defence could also be with some upgrades.
Joe Gomez and Joel Matip have both been in dire form this season, with the latter of those also set to turn 32-years old before the start of the next campaign. Couple that with the injury issues experienced by Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate in recent times and you could see why they would consider a new addition in that position.
While there have been few possible targets mentioned in recent times, one name from an unlikely source has now been linked.
Liverpool linked with shock move for Everton defender
The Daily Mail are reporting that Liverpool are among the teams who are interested in signing Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
The Englishman joined the Merseyside outfit in January of 2020 from Carlisle United, but has only made ten Premier League appearances since then. Despite this, he has impressed during his loan spell at PSV Eindhoven this season.
Manchester United and Roma are also credited with an interest in the player, while PSV also had two bids rejected to sign him on a permanent basis. The second of those was rumoured to be worth around £15million.
He scored twice in their Dutch Cup win over Emmen last night.
Two goals for Everton loanee Jarrad Branthwaite in PSV’s Cup win over Emmen tonight. Did a fabulous post-match interview with ESPN which hopefully emerges somewhere. pic.twitter.com/T2Nnrgwao1
— Will Downing (@WillDowningComm) February 8, 2023
It is likely that Everton would do their best to stop the player from joining Liverpool in the summer, although they have sold players to their city rivals in the past.
They could also be in a difficult negotiating position if they were to be relegated at the end of the campaign. Branthwaite's contract expires in the summer of 2025, meaning this could be their final opportunity to get a sizeable fee for the player if he decides to leave the club.
With funds likely to be tight at Everton once again this summer, they could opt to cash in now while his value is high.
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