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 has made a strong start to the season under new head coach Arne Slot, currently leading the table with a one-point advantage over defending champions Manchester City and last season’s runners-up Arsenal. They have also secured two wins in the revamped Champions League, including a 2-0 victory against Bologna on Wednesday.
Ryan Gravenberch’s impressive early-season performances have reduced the urgency for Liverpool to acquire a new No. 6 in January, although Slot remains interested in bolstering this position after a failed attempt to sign Martin Zubimendi over the summer.
Additionally, Slot’s team is seeking defensive reinforcements, particularly a left-sided center-back. Reports suggest Liverpool is considering pursuing two central defenders in January: Jarrad Branthwaite from Everton and Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace.
According to GiveMeSport, Guehi could be a key target, while Branthwaite is preferred among the two. Each player may command a fee of around £70 million, although Liverpool might explore lower-cost options based on the current situations at Everton and Palace, both of whom have faced difficulties early in the season.
Branthwaite is contracted with Everton until 2027, while Guehi’s deal with Palace runs until 2026, making Guehi potentially more accessible. The historical rivalry between Everton and Liverpool could complicate negotiations for Branthwaite.
It seems unlikely that Liverpool will sign both players due to financial constraints and the existing depth in central defense with Virgil van Dijk, Ibrahima Konate, Jarell Quansah, and Joe Gomez already in the squad.