Everton defender and reported Liverpool target Jarrad Branthwaite has revealed he spoke to Reds star Cody Gakpo after the Dutchman's move to Anfield in January.
Gakpo moved to Liverpool at the beginning of the window, signing from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.
Branthwaite used his experience of the city to advise Gakpo, having signed for the Toffees in 2019 from Carlisle.
On the pitch, the defender had seen his Premier League opportunities limited prior to the season.
Advert
He made six appearances in the 2021/22 campaign, before moving on loan to PSV at the beginning of the season.
The 20-year-old has hugely impressed in the Eredivisie, with both Liverpool and United linked with making moves for the England youth international this summer.
PSV boss Ruud van Nistelrooy recently confirmed in an interview with Voetbal International that his side were interested in signing Branthwaite on a permanent deal this summer - but they could face strong competition from the Reds, who acted quickly to sign Gakpo.
Everton defender Branthwaite reveals Gakpo conversation
Speaking in an interview with the Daily Mirror, Branthwaite has revealed that he spoke to Gakpo when the forward joined Liverpool from PSV in January - and describes the Reds as a 'massive club'.
He explained: "I spoke to Cody a few times when he first signed [for Liverpool].
"When I signed for Everton I was in the Titanic Hotel and I think he was staying there as well, so he was asking for a few places to go eat and things.
"He's settled into a massive club but it's no surprise for me. When he was here, the quality he had was unbelievable; his goals and assists, his passing, his dribbling - he had everything.
"Obviously it's gonna take a couple of months to find your feet but over the last month he's settled right in and played really well."
Looking ahead to the summer, the Dutchman may be able to convince the 20-year-old to reunite with him at Anfield.
Everton boss Sean Dyche confirmed last month that he did speak to the defender upon his appointment at Goodison Park, but did not state whether any decision had been made on his future.
In the same Daily Mirror interview, Branthwaite admitted he had 'noticed' the Liverpool and United speculation - but that his full focus remained on PSV and a return to Everton at the end of the season.
Topics: Liverpool, Cody Gakpo, Premier League, Transfers
Ryan Smart