Liverpool ‘keeping close eye’ on €80m rated defender

This would be a huge signing.

They have already signed Jeremie Frimpong from Bayer Leverkusen for €35m, while they are closing in on the €140m-rated Florian Wirtz, also from Leverkusen, and Bournemouth's Milos Kerkez, who will cost around €40m.

Now it seems they have one of the most sought-after players in the Premier League in their sights, in the form of Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 22-year-old was wanted last year by Man United, but the Toffees rebuffed their £50m offer.

Chelsea and Spurs have also shown serious interest in the Englishman, while the Daily Mail have said that Manchester City and Liverpool are 'keeping a close eye' on the player.

If the Reds did manage to nab the left-sided man, their defence would be set up for years to come with Ibrahima Konate, 26, Frimpong, 24, and, potentially, Kerkez, 21.

The Daily Mail have also reported that Everton are still interested in Liverpool winger Ben Doak.

On the Toffees' recruitment strategy, boss David Moyes said: “Characters will always make football clubs.

"We want ability and quality. We have great characters here, and I need to add to that, and I need to continue to find people who can fill the boots of maybe ones which have left or may move on. So, yes, character plays a huge part in all managers’ decision-making.”

"There have been lots of changes while I’ve been away. We used to have quite a small building, a small number of staff – and it’s now expanded greatly.

“There are all sorts of things that have changed across the club and I think lots of things are very good, but there are also things I think that would be better if we try to change and look to go in a different direction in some ways.”