Manchester United have agreed personal terms with Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, with the Merseyside club valuing the 21-year-old at a minimum of £80m.
United plan to discuss Branthwaite with Everton following the opening of the transfer window on Friday.
However, the response from Everton is expected to be frosty.
According to BBC Sport, Everton have no intention of selling Branthwaite, who many believe was unlucky to miss out on England’s European Championship squad.
The club believes it’s only a matter of time before Branthwaite becomes a regular for England and rates him on par with Harry Maguire and Josko Gvardiol.
Maguire joined United from Leicester for £80m in 2019, while Gvardiol transferred to Manchester City from RB Leipzig for £77m last summer.
Branthwaite has garnered attention with his impressive performances as a left-sided central defender for Everton, helping the club avoid relegation last season despite two points deductions for breaching financial loss limits.
In May, Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, stated that players “will be sold” this summer and asked fans for “patience and understanding” as the club works to improve its financial situation.
With current profit and sustainability rules (PSR) in place for next season and no Champions League football, Manchester United are open to offers for almost their entire first-team squad as they seek to generate funds and improve Erik ten Hag’s squad.
United have set a £40m price tag on 24-year-old forward Jadon Sancho.
Following a two-week performance review that confirmed Ten Hag would stay on as manager, United have identified central defense as a key area for strengthening.
Raphael Varane left the club after the FA Cup final, and Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, and Victor Lindelof all suffered injuries last season.
Veteran Northern Ireland international Jonny Evans was also troubled by injury, although United have confirmed they are in talks with the 36-year-old over a new deal.