Liverpool plot stunning £85m striker bid as Everton make bold transfer decision

The 2024 Olympics are in full swing and fans can watch the select Premier League players who made the trip to Paris to fight for this year’s gold medal. For the rest of England’s top flight, they are getting stuck into pre-season, preparing for what is building up to be another thrilling season in England’s top flight.

The transfer window continues to churn out exciting rumours too, so let’s dive into some of the latest as the Premier League powerhouses navigate their way through the market.

Everton make key Branthwaite decision

Jarrad Branthwaite has been one of the biggest talking points of the summer window so far as clubs attempt to prise him away from Goodison Park. The defender has rapidly shot into the spotlight thanks to his performances during the 2023/24 season, which played a key part in keeping Everton out of the relegation zone.

Manchester United have been the front-runners in the Branthwaite pursuit for some time now but the Toffees are not willing to let him go easy. After slapping a reported £75 million price tag on his head, Everton have made another big decision in their attempt to keep him on the books.

According to Football Insider, the Blues ‘are signing’ Lyon centre-back Jake O’Brien this summer, with a medical booked for Monday following a £20 million agreement. However, the report has made clear that Everton are bringing in O’Brien to play alongside Branthwaite, not to replace him.

Instead, they are ‘now more likely’ to sell Michael Keane instead, before the transfer window closes.

The 3AM Verdict: The interest in Branthwaite has been relentless this summer and many believed Everton would struggle to keep their star defender. However, showing willing by recruiting a new partner for him and indicating that they will build the defence around his influence is certainly a good way to show how much he is valued. A new report has claimed though that Branthwaite will only sign a new deal with Everton if they can match United’s wage offer.

Liverpool ‘enter race’ for £85m striker

Liverpool have a lot to consider this window and multiple areas within the squad to improve on, especially with those whose contracts are expiring next summer. The defence has been the main talking point lately but the Reds are also on the market for new attacking firepower.

According to Football Insider, Liverpool have ‘entered the race’ along Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur to sign Viktor Gyökeres from Sporting CP. The Sweden international contributed a sensational 43 goals and 15 assists for his club last season, settling in right away considering he only joined in 2023.

If Liverpool are serious about landing a deal for Gyökeres though, they must consider meeting the eye-watering £86 million release clause in place. The report claims that few clubs will be willing to meet such a price though, and a deal may not get over the line unless Sporting lower their fee.

The 3AM Verdict: Gyökeres’ numbers are extremely hard to ignore and Liverpool would hugely benefit from a goalscorer who tucks away almost every chance he is presented with. However, it’s not as easy as just splashing out another £85 million on a new forward while Darwin Núñez and Cody Gakpo are both on the books.

The Reds must consider making some sales before they approach any sort of move for a marquee goalscorer. Núñez himself cost £85 million just two years ago and reports have claimed the club are still willing to see him produce his full potential.