Jarrad Branthwaite spotted in deep discussion with Liverpool stars amid Anfield transfer speculation

Everton star Jarrad Branthwaite was spotted in deep conversation with a Liverpool player amid Anfield transfer rumours.

On Saturday afternoon, Liverpool were victorious against local rivals Everton thanks to two goals from Mohamed Salah.

However, the Reds’ victory came with controversy as the Toffees were left angered by the referee’s failure to show Ibrahima Konate a second yellow card in the second half.

On the back of the victory, Liverpool posted a video on YouTube which gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the Merseyside derby victory.

After the final whistle, Everton centre-back Branthwaite was spotted chatting to Liverpool star Havey Elliott.

The 21-year-old was then spotted sharing an embrace with Cody Gakpo, the pair played together during Branthwaite’s spell with Dutch club PSV Eindhoven.

Over the summer transfer window, it was widely reported that Liverpool were looking to sign a young centre-back to provide more depth in Jurgen Klopp’s defensive department.

Earlier in the year, the Daily Mail reported that Liverpool were one of many clubs keeping an eye on Branthwaite after sending scouts to watch him in action for PSV.

Apart from Liverpool, the likes of AS Roma and Manchester United were also linked with the Everton star.

In what would be a hugely controversial and unlikely transfer, Branthwaite could become the first player since Abel Xavier in 2002 to swap Everton for Liverpool.

Although Branthwaite has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park, the England U21 international recently signed a new four-year deal with Everton.

He said: “To sign this new contract was to show the commitment I have for the Club and show how much it means to me to play for Everton.”

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Liverpool have received a huge boost in their pursuit of a dream January signing after it emerged the player’s situation had changed.

In Arne Slot’s first transfer window after replacing Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool made just the one signing – paying £12.5 million for Juventus and Italy winger Federico Chiesa, who has managed just three appearances in all competitions.

The lack of additions hasn’t affected the Reds, who are eight points clear at the top of the Premier League after 12 games.

But fresh reports claim they could be going back in for their top target in an attempt to strengthen while they are top. In the summer Liverpool identified Spain and Real Sociedad midfielder Martin Zubimendi as a priority signing and were prepared to pay his €60 million (£51 million) release clause.

Although he gave his word over the transfer, the Euro 2024 winner elected to stay with La Real, his boyhood club who he joined when he was 12.

However, Spanish outlet TDF say that Zubimendi is regretting his decision to remain loyal with Sociedad. The report claims Zubimendi “aims to leave in January” and is “counting the weeks until he makes the jump to the Premier League”.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano had earlier reported that he expected Liverpool to go back in for Zubimendi and it appears to be the case despite the impressive performances of Ryan Gravenberch in a new sitting midfield role.

Arsenal and Manchester City are also known admirers and could rival Liverpool, though the Anfield club are confident they will be successful in securing his signature.

After staying in San Sebastian, it was reported that Zubimendi would be rewarded with a new contract with Real Sociedad but he received no such offer and there is belief that the Basque club would be willing to entertain offloading him.

It’s said Liverpool would be prepared to make him one of their highest-paid players.

Speaking to the Anfield Agenda YouTube channel in September, journalist David Lynch explained why Zubimendi is still very much a target.

“I still think Liverpool will want a number 6 – they’ll want to swap out Endo for someone who fits their profile.

“Liverpool have a very narrow list of targets – and we know Zubimendi ticks so many boxes for them.

“Potentially in January it could be reignited. Maybe one to keep an eye on.”

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was spotted swapping shirts with an Arsenal player in the tunnel following their draw at Anfield.

Premier League leaders Arsenal failed to end their hoodoo away at Liverpool after being held to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

It had looked like the Gunners might secure a rare victory at Anfield when Gabriel Magalhaes headed them in front after just three minutes.

But the home side equalised through a brilliant goal from Mohamed Salah, his 16^th in all competitions this season.

Speaking after the match, Van Dijk said he was disappointed Liverpool only managed to secure a draw.

“Disappointed but it was a big fight, a great game to be involved in,” said the Liverpool captain.

“Arsenal is a very good team, of course, but I think we had opportunities to win the game and unfortunately we didn’t. It was intense for both sides I think and we move on.

“One more point than we started [with], so that’s obviously a positive.”

Later on, Van Dijk was spotted swapping shirts with Arsenal’s goalscorer, Gabriel, in the tunnel at Anfield.

Things are set to be less friendly when the two teams meet again at the Emirates on January 7 in the third round of the FA Cup.

They are also due to face each other in the reverse fixture in the Premier League on February 4.

When asked if he believes Arsenal will push Liverpool all the way for the title this season, Van Dijk added: “They’re hoping for consistency as well and I think they’ve been doing it quite well since last year.

“We are doing it quite well this year and hopefully we can keep that going and let’s see where we’re at in February, March – that period – and then we can really push on hopefully.”

Liverpool next face Burnley away from home on Boxing Day, while Arsenal host West Ham on December 28.

Darwin Nunez has been spotted alongside a Barcelona player amid rumours he could leave Liverpool this summer.

Nunez surprised Liverpool fans by deleting all his Instagram pictures related to his time at Anfield following Sunday’s 4-2 victory over Tottenham.

The Uruguay international struggled to make an impact after coming on from the bench against Spurs, and subsequently received criticism from Reds supporters on social media.

The cryptic social media activity has triggered much speculation among fans on social media as well as pundits.

“If someone does that (deletes pictures), I’d assume he wants out or is off,” said Chris Sutton on the It’s All Kicking Off podcast. “It just looks like he is going to be on his way or he is deeply unhappy with the club.”

Upon Nunez deleting all Liverpool images from his account, reports emerged that La Liga giants Barcelona are considering a bid for the 24-year-old this summer.

The Sun alleged that Barcelona view the forward as a potential long-term replacement for Robert Lewandowski, who has been linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League and MLS this summer.

Tuesday afternoon saw further speculation surrounding Nunez’s future after the Liverpool star was pictured alongside Barcelona centre-back and international team-mate Ronald Araujo in an Instagram story.

Nunez has scored 33 goals in 94 games for the Reds since joining from Portuguese outfit Benfica in 2022, in a deal that could ultimately rise to £85million.

Despite speculation linking Nunez with a departure, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano insisted the forward was keen to speak to incoming manager Arne Slot before making a decision on his future.

“A lot of fans are asking about Darwin Nunez deleting all Liverpool-related posts from his Instagram,” Romano wrote in his daily briefing.

“It’s all quiet so far, nothing is happening and for sure Darwin is looking forward to speaking to new coach Arne Slot.”

Real Madrid are considering sacking Carlo Ancelotti and have already ‘chosen’ the man to replace him if he’s dismissed, according to reports in Spain.

Ancelotti, 65, is under huge pressure just months after leading Real Madrid to the La Liga and Champions League double last season.

Madrid have made a sluggish start to the league campaign and are four points behind Barcelona at the top of the table.

Meanwhile, a 2-0 defeat to Liverpool in the Champions League on Wednesday night leaves them at real risk of an early elimination from Europe.

The defending champions are currently 24^th in the Champions League standings after picking up just six points from their opening five games.

Reports in Spain suggest Ancelotti could be replaced if results do not immediately improve.

Who could replace Ancelotti?

According to COPE journalist Roberto Morales, former Madrid boss Santiago Solari has been lined up to take over as manager if Ancelotti is dismissed.

The former Madrid midfielder was spotted in the stands at Anfield for the defeat to Liverpool, fuelling speculation he could replace the Italian if required.

“Solari is the chosen option if things don’t get back on track and there is a big setback in the coming months,” Morales posted on X.

However, he also added: “I don’t see Ancelotti being dispensed with. His successes, the importance of his figure, should not open a debate to at least complete the season.”

Solari, 48, previously had a brief spell in charge of Madrid in October 2018 following the dismissal of Julen Lopetegui.

But he was sacked less than five months later following a damaging Champions League defeat to Ajax, who were then managed by former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag.

Solari last managed Club America in Mexico but was dismissed in 2022 following a run of poor results.

Solari could be placed in charge of Madrid on an interim basis while the club conducts a search for a long-term replacement for Ancelotti.

Xabi Alonso has been strongly linked with a move to the Bernabeu, with reports earlier this month confirming the Spaniard will step down from his role as Bayer Leverkusen head coach at the end of the season.

Former Liverpool and Real Madrid midfielder Alonso guided Leverkusen to a historic unbeaten Bundesliga title win last season and also came close to winning the Europa League, losing in the final to Atalanta. But they’ve found this season much tougher and are currently fourth in the German league.

Eurosport Spain claim Alonso has already told several players in the dressing room that he plans to depart, with Madrid his most likely destination.