'Quite shocked': People close to £70m player are stunned he's being linked with Liverpool – journalist

Liverpool have been at the centre of a number of transfer rumours this summer that haven’t quite worked out.

Martin Zubimendi was strongly linked with Liverpool a few weeks ago, and now, there are rumours about Jarrad Branthwaite and Liverpool.

The Everton defender is said to be someone the Reds like, and there has been some chat about a potential move for the £70m this summer.

Speaking on the Blood Red Podcast, Joe Rimmer has been discussing these Branthwaite links, and he says that people close to the player are quite shocked by the fact these links are even emerging.

• READ MORE: There is now a growing belief £34m player will join Liverpool despite Manchester United interest

Jarrad Branthwaite camp shocked by Liverpool links

Rimmer shared what he’s heard from people close to Branthwaite.

“People that we know, people who have spoken to people quite close to him, and they are quite shocked about it, surely it’s one where for Everton it would be a PR disaster if they sold to Liverpool surely?” Rimmer said.

Jarrad Branthwaite rumours are surprising

These rumours about Jarrad Branthwaite and Liverpool are surprising it has to be said.

Everton and Liverpool are close rivals, and it’s very rare that these two sides do business, especially when a key player is involved.

Branthwaite would be facing the wrath of Everton supporters if he made this move, and it’s hard to imagine that such a deal would be sanctioned.

Liverpool do like Branthwaite as a player, but, sometimes, you just have to hold your hands up and admit that certain deals aren’t there to be done.

While Branthwaite would be a fantastic player for Arne Slot’s side, Liverpool fans shouldn’t hold their breath waiting for the Everton star to come to Anfield.

This deal would be one of the most surprising moves in a long time if it went ahead.