Everton defender and reported Liverpool target Jarrad Branthwaite has revealed that he spoke with Reds star Cody Gakpo following the Dutchman’s January move to Anfield
Gakpo joined Liverpool at the start of the season, joining from Dutch giants PSV Eindhoven.
Branthwaite, who joined the Toffees from Carlisle in 2019, used his knowledge of the city to advise Gakpo.
Prior to the season, the defender’s Premier League opportunities had been limited.
He made six appearances in the 2021/22 season before being loaned out to PSV at the start of the season.
The 20-year-old has impressed in the Eredivisie, with Liverpool and Manchester United both interested in signing the England youth international this summer.
PSV manager Ruud van Nistelrooy recently confirmed to Voetbal International that his club was interested in signing Branthwaite on a permanent basis this summer – but they could face stiff competition from the Reds, who acted quickly to sign Gakpo.
Everton defender Branthwaite reveals Gakpo conversation
In an interview with the Daily Mirror, Branthwaite revealed that he spoke to Gakpo shortly after the forward joined Liverpool from PSV in January – and describes the Reds as a “massive club.”
“I spoke to Cody a few times when he first signed [for Liverpool],” he explained.
“When I signed for Everton, I was staying at the Titanic Hotel, and I believe he was as well, so he was asking for recommendations for places to eat and other amenities.
“He’s settled into a massive club, which comes as no surprise to me. When he was here, his quality was incredible; his goals and assists, his passing, his dribbling – he had it all.
“Obviously, it’s going to take a couple of months to find your feet, but he’s settled right in and played really well over the last month.”
Looking ahead to the summer, the Dutchman hopes to persuade the 20-year-old to rejoin him at Anfield.
In the same Daily Mirror interview, Branthwaite admitted that he had ‘noticed’ the Liverpool and Manchester United rumours, but that his full focus was on PSV and a return to Everton at the end of the season.
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