Everton star Branthwaite in shock mooted move to Reds
This story has come out of nowhere, but apparently some rumours suggested the Reds were looking admiringly across Stanley Park at the Everton and England central defender.
Like Manchester United - who have been Branthwaite's main suitors this summer - new Liverpool boss Arne Slot is seeking to strengthen the centre of his defence with fellow Dutchman Virgil van Dijk over 30 and no one alongside him who has consistently impressed the manager.
So, in theory this is not an impossible idea given that Branthwaite is young, hugely talented and an established and experienced Premier League player who also would have no great practical issues relocating as obviously he already lives nearby.
Despite all this though, the Blues have said there is nothing in the story and there does not appear to have been any direct contact from Liverpool with Everton over the 22-year-old star.
Given that the Toffees have spent the last month or so consistently rebuffing United's attempts to prise Branthwaite away, it would make little sense to sell him now to the Blues closest neighbours and fiercest rivals.
On top of that, it was clear again on Saturday how much this Everton side has come to depend on the player nicknamed 'The Carlise Kaiser' by admiring Evertonians.
Without Branthwaite, the Toffees backline looked distinctly less secure against Brighton, with Micheal Keane filling in alongside James Tarkowski. The sooner he is back in the team the better.
Still, were a huge offer of around £75- 80 million, or more, to come in for the England player - from Liverpool or anyone else - it might prove very difficult to turn down given Everton's massive financial problems.
Because while the Blues have it seems spent reasonably well in this transfer window and secured early on the signing of new forwards in Iliman Ndiaye and Jesper Lindstrom, there is still a sense of a lack of depth out wide and up front.
Ideally, Everton will bring in at least one more forward to improve the team's cutting edge in attack, which again was blunt on Saturday.
Getting a big windfall by selling such a prized asset, would obviously make it a lot easier to add two or three more decent players to the squad before the end of August.
But, losing Branthwaite would clearly be a major blow to Dyche and his tactical approach, based as it is on a strong and consistently miserly defence.
On balance however, it seems more likely the Blues will part with Dominic Calvert-Lewin before the 30th of the month rather than sanction the sale of arguably the team's single most important player.