Liverpool could swoop for Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite in a bid to prise away city rivals’ defender

Manchester United, Liverpool and Roma will send scouts to watch Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite next week.

The 20-year-old left-sided centre back has impressed while on loan at PSV Eindhoven and has been improving under the tutelage of his coach, former Man United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Branthwaite has benefited from the confidence instilled in him by van Nistelrooy after a rocky start to his spell in Holland. 

The ex-Real Madrid and Holland forward has taken the time to make the 6ft 5ins defender more street-wise and underlined the faith he has in the youngster’s ability by trying to make his loan move permanent last month.

PSV made two offers, the last believed to be worth up to £15million, which were rejected by Everton. 

Branthwaite has played 17 times for the Dutch side, scoring once in the process in an impressive loan spell

Jurgen Klopp’s side are keen to swoop for their city rivals’ star to strengthen their back line

PSV sporting director Marcel Brands knows Branthwaite well having bought him while at Everton for just £1m from Carlisle United.

Carlo Ancelotti had handed him his Everton debut but Branthwaite lost confidence under Frank Lampard, particularly after being sent off in a crucial game against Brentford last season.

Roma have also been checking regularly on his progress while the fact he is homegrown and left footed have kept Liverpool and United on his trail.

Branthwaite has made 17 appearances for PSV this season, scoring once in a 4-3 win over Feyenoord, and will face a stern test in the Europa League against Sevilla next Thursday when scouts will assess his progress.

Everton are overloaded with centre backs and are happy for Branthwaite to continue developing before taking stock in the summer.

Their Premier League status at the end of the season will dictate much about who stays and who must go.