Manchester United have made a second bid for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite thought to be in the region of £45m plus £5m in add-ons.
The bid is expected to be rejected by Everton.
Sky Sports News reported last month that Everton had turned down a first bid from United, which fell considerbly short of their valuation of the defender, with one source suggesting the offer was worth £35m plus add-ons.
Everton regard Branthwaite as a key player.
Branthwaite played 35 times for Everton in the Premier League last season although was cut from England’s Euro 2024 preliminary squad.
Recruiting in the heart of defence has been marked as a priority for FA Cup winners Manchester United this summer, with Raphael Varane among the players leaving Old Trafford at the end of last season.
The 2024 summer transfer window in the Premier League and Scottish Premiership is officially open.
The window will close on August 30 at 11pm UK time in England and at 11.30pm in Scotland.
The Premier League and Scottish Premiership brought forward Deadline Day to link up with the other major leagues in Europe. The closing dates were set following discussions with the leagues in England, Germany, Italy, Spain and France.