Liverpool 'eyeing incredible £140m transfer swoop' that would stun the Premier League

Liverpool are reportedly considering a move for two England internationals in January as they look to boost their chances of winning the Premier League title this season.

Liverpool have made an excellent start to the campaign under new head coach Arne Slot, with the Reds currently one point clear of defending champions Manchester City and last season's runners-up Arsenal at the top of the table.

They've also claimed two wins from two in the new-look Champions League, including a 2-0 victory over Bologna on Wednesday night.

Ryan Gravenberch's fine form at the start of the new season has lessened the need for Liverpool to sign a new No 6 in January, although it is still an area Slot will be keen to strengthen following the failed bid to sign Martin Zubimendi in the summer.

Slot's side are also in need of defensive reinforcements, with another left-sided centre-back high on their list of transfer priorities.

It has now been claimed that Liverpool are considering an approach for not one, but two central defenders in January.

GiveMeSport [via Liverpool Echo] claim Liverpool are plotting moves for Everton's Jarrad Branthwaite and Crystal Palace defender Marc Guehi ahead of the next transfer window.

It's stated that Guehi 'could become a key target' for the Reds, with Branthwaite being the preferred signing of the two English defenders.

The report claims Liverpool may have to pay £70m for each player, although they may 'try their luck at a lower level' in January depending on the situation of Everton and Palace, who have both struggled in the opening weeks of the campaign.

Branthwaite is tied down to a contract at Everton until 2027 while Guehi's Palace deal is set to expire in 2026. Guehi appears to be an easier target, given he has less time remaining on his current contract - while the historic rivalry between Everton and Liverpool is likely to complicate any negotiations for Branthwaite.

It's unlikely Liverpool will sign both players given the finances involved and the fact they already have Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah and Joe Gomez available for selection in central defence.

Manchester United had two bids turned down for Branthwaite in the summer, with the latter worth £45m plus £5 in add-ons.

Liverpool are being linked with Marc Guehi and Jarrad Branthwaite (Image: Getty)

Newcastle United, meanwhile, had four bids – the highest worth around £65m – rejected by Palace for Guehi in the last window.

Liverpool made just one signing in the summer, bringing in Federico Chiesa in a £10m move from Juventus – although a deal was also agreed for Valencia goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili to join the club on July 1, 2025.

Reflecting on Liverpool's summer transfer business, Slot said: "Of course we are happy with the ones we signed because I said many times that it's difficult for us to make the team even stronger because we already have a very strong team.

"And if we then find them, of course we are very happy with that. Chiesa is someone who can help us for the short term and Mamardashvili is, I think, one of the examples where this club did in the past very good that they look also at the future, long-term future of the club – and that's why we signed him."