Jurgen Klopp is urged to sign ‘real talent’ Jarrad Branthwaite from rivals Everton by ex-Liverpool striker, after German singled out defender for praise prior to Merseyside derby

• John Aldridge says Liverpool should sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite
• Branthwaite would be the first player to move across Merseyside for 22 years 
• Follow Mail Sport’s new Liverpool WhatsApp channel for all the breaking news 

Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge has urged the Reds to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite. 

The Toffees star was part of the side that lost the Merseyside derby on Saturday, but has impressed since coming into Sean Dyche’s side this season, with Jurgen Klopp singling him out for praise before the weekend’s derby. 

Having not played in Everton’s first two games of the campaign, the 21-year-old has started the last six and Aldridge believes he should be a target for the red side of Merseyside. 

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: ‘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.

‘The fact Jurgen Klopp even talked him up before the game in his pre-match press conference was interesting. 

Jarrad Branthwaite has started the last six games for Everton and impressed against Liverpool 

John Aldridge believes that Liverpool should target the talented Everton youngster 

Jurgen Klopp has already talked up Branthwaite and the club want a left-sided centre back

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‘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.

 ‘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.’ 

If Branthwaite were to make the move across the city, he would be the first player to for 22 years to cross the divide since Abel Xavier moved from Everton to Liverpool in 2002. 

Branthwaite spent last season on-loan at PSV and helped the cup win the KNVB Cup 

No player has moved across Merseyside since Abel Xavier’s switch from blue to red in 2002 

Aldridge admits the transfer would be difficult for the defender, but sees so much potential in the player.  

Adding: ‘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.’ 

The centre-back was seen embracing former PSV team-mate Cody Gakpo in the tunnel at the end of Everton’s 2-0 defeat on Saturday, and he also shared a moment with fellow England Under-21 star Harvey Elliott.  

Branthwaite joined Everton from Carlisle in 2020 and has enjoyed loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and last season at PSV, where he won the KNVB Cup with the Dutch side. 

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