Man United and Liverpool 'set' to go head-to-head for two transfers as hijack 'planned'

Manchester United have been monitoring Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite for the majority of the summer transfer window. The England international was subject to two bids by United earlier in the window but the Toffees turned both down.

Branthwaite had been identified as United's priority centre-back target earlier in the window but sporting director Dan Ashworth turned his attention to Leny Yoro and Matthijs de Ligt.

The defender now looks set to stay at Goodison Park beyond the summer transfer window but a new theory has emerged that Liverpool could now make a shock move for the 22-year-old. Sky Bet has slashed the odds on the centre-back making the move to Anfield before the window closes on August 30, the Liverpool Echo reports.

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The bookmakers have priced Branthwaite at 2/1 to join city rivals Liverpool. United are shortly behind at 3/1 with Manchester City are 4/1. However, as we know from transfers in years gone by, odds mean nothing, but the fact that the odds have been slashed mean there could be something that isn't public.

Elsewhere, United are reportedly planning a move to hijack Liverpool's move for goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili. According to a report from Daily Mirror, the Red Devils could move for the Valencia shot-stopper if Jadon Sancho departs.

It's claimed that United have tracked the goalkeeper for some time and Mamardashvili would be open to a move to Old Trafford. However, he would be second choice to Andre Onana, just as he would be at Liverpool with Alisson.

Valencia have reportedly placed a