Big blow for United with Liverpool poised to hijack deal for 'very brave' £70m star - report

Liverpool are planning to hijack Manchester United’s move to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, according to Daily Mail.

The Red Devils were determined to land the Englishman earlier this summer. Personal terms were finalised over a long-term deal, but they could not find an agreement with the Toffees.

Sean Dyche’s side were eyeing at least £70 million for the centre-back, but United made a maximum bid of around £50m which was turned down by the Merseyside outfit.

United spent £100m on signing Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt following the setback, but reports claim that they could return for Branthwaite at the end of the campaign.

Amidst this, Daily Mail claim that Liverpool are planning to hijack United’s move and they are poised to make a formal bid for the 22-year-old in the January transfer window.

The Reds could pay closer to the price tag set by the Toffees. They could also meet the £160,000 per week package which Branthwaite agreed with United earlier this year.

United could suffer mid-season setback on Branthwaite

The Red Devils made a huge outlay to land Yoro and De Ligt this summer, but the former has yet to make his debut, having picked up a foot injury during pre-season.

The 18-year-old wonderkid has been working hard on his recovery and he is anticipated to make his comeback by mid-November, provided there are no setbacks.

Branthwaite would be another top-class acquisition for United, but Liverpool could have the upper hand if they can strike an agreement during the next transfer window.

The club spent almost £200m on new signings over the summer and the hierarchy are unlikely to spend close to £70m in January with the risk of breaching PSR spending limits.

Hence, the Reds could realistically hijack United’s pursuit of Branthwaite. United will be hoping that Everton wait for them instead of doing business with their fierce rivals.

Branthwaite, who has been described as ‘very brave‘ by Ian Wright, returned from injury last weekend as the Toffees registered their maiden Premier League win of the season.