Topics: Liverpool, Manchester United, Everton, Roma, PSV, Premier League, Serie A, Eredivisie, Transfers, Football, Jurgen Klopp, Erik Ten Hag, Ruud Van Nistelrooy
Manchester United and Liverpool are among the teams who have sent scouts to watch Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite next week, according to reports.
The 20-year-old left-sided centre back has impressed while on loan at PSV Eindhoven under the guidance of manager and former Red Devils striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.
PSV sporting director Marcel Brands knows Branthwaite well having signed him for Everton for just £1m from Carlisle United three years ago.
Carlo Ancelotti handed him his Premier League debut but the Englishman fell down the pecking order under Frank Lampard, who opted to send the youngster out on loan.
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The Dutch side saw two offers for the defender rejected by Everton, with the Merseyside club keen to take stock when he returns to Goodison Park, claim The Daily Mail.
Branthwaite has made 18 appearances for PSV this season, incredibly scoring twice in PSV's 3-1 win over FC Emmen on Wednesday, and will face a tough test in the Europa League against Sevilla next Thursday.
And the clash has been identified as an opportunity for scouts to asses the youngster, report The Daily Mail.
Roma are also said to be keeping tabs on his progress. Whilst the fact he is left-footed is thought to appeal to both Liverpool and United.
However, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano believes United have "different priorities".
He told CaughtOffside: “I’ve been asked by fans about links with Everton youngster Jarrad Branthwaite, but I’m not aware of this at this stage.
“He’s doing great but Manchester United have different priorities, then scouts of top clubs are always around Europe and so it’s normal to have this kind of links.”
Meanwhile, if he was to go to Liverpool, it would be a hugely controversial decision.
An Everton player leaving for the red side of Merseyside hasn't happened for over 20 years, when Nick Barmby made the controversial switch in the summer of 2000.
With the Toffees currently stuck in the relegation zone, their Premier League status will no doubt dictate who will stay and who will leave the club in the summer.
Jurgen Klopp has suffered from various casualties which has hindered his squad's progress this season. Injuries to both Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate has limited his options at the back, leaving his side languishing in 10th place.
Meanwhile, Manchester United have had defensive problems of their own at this campaign.
Erik ten Hag was forced into a make-shift back four, recently deploying left-back Luke Shaw in the heart of defence to cover for the injured Lisandro Martinez.
Harry Maguire also looks to have lost his place in the squad whilst Phil Jones is expected to depart in the summer.
