Manchester United are reportedly preparing to steal the initiative in the race for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite, amid stiff competition from Real Madrid.
The 21-year-old centre-back has impressed in the Premier League after making a name for himself on loan in the Eredivisie at PSV last season.
And Manchester United appear to have identified him as a top target in their pursuit of a new defender.
According to Corriere dello Sport, the Red Devils are readying a £40m approach for Branthwaite, who joined Everton from hometown club Carlisle United four years ago for what now looks like a bargain £1m.
However, FootballTransfers claim that the Toffees value the England U21 international at almost double that amount.
With the January transfer window closing on Thursday, February 1 at 11pm, it seems unlikely that United would be able to get a deal over the line before the summer.
Branthwaite has firmly established himself in the Everton first team this term, starting 18 out of 21 Premier League games for Sean Dyche's side as they look to stave off the threat of relegation.
It's been a momentous 12 months for six-foot-five enforcer, who lifted the Dutch Cup with PSV last season – despite scoring an own goal in the final against Ajax – then helped England to European Under-21 Championship glory.
Everton teammate James Tarkowski has tipped Branthwaite to make the England senior squad by the end of 2024.
More transfer stories from FourFourTwo
Man United have been linked with a wonderkid already on Liverpool's radar – and the Red Devils look to have received a boost in their pursuit of Crystal Palace star Michael Olise.
Meanwhile, Chelsea stand to make an historic loss with the potential sale of Romelu Lukaku.
Elsewhere, Arsenal could rival another Premier League club in the race for a highly-rated midfielder.
And Pep Guardiola has made some controversial remarks on Manchester City's transfer plans.
