Manchester United have opened talks with Everton over a deal for Jarrad Branthwaite, talkSPORT understands.
The Red Devils have now agreed personal terms with the defender and will be looking to strike a deal with the Toffees to make a move happen.
As revealed by talkSPORT this week, Everton value Branthwaite in excess of £70million and will hold out for that amount.
United boss Erik ten Hag is looking for defensive reinforcements this summer and the 21-year-old has emerged as a top transfer target.
Branthwaite had hoped to be with England at Euro 2024, but narrowly missed the cut for Gareth Southgate’s final 26-man squad.
Man United believe that Branthwaite is the man to lead their back line, but will not pay over the odds with Sir Jim Ratcliffe determined not to pay inflated fees as the club done in the past.
While Real Madrid have been linked, Man United believe they’re the only serious suitors to sign him.
Branthwaite played 41 times for Everton last term, scoring three goals to help them to preserve their Premier League status.
“He’s literally playing above his years,” teammate Ashley Young told talkSPORT.
Young is part of talkSPORT’s line-up for Euro 2024 and was speaking about him following his inclusion in Gareth Southgate’s provisional squad.
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He was ultimately left out, but Young spoke of his attributes glowingly. “He doesn’t take any prisoners, he wants to play football.
“He can tackle, he can head it and come up with a goal as well. He’s got all the attributes to be a great centre-half for many years.”
While Man United cannot offer him Champions League football, Young said he would not look out of place on the biggest stage of club football.
“I think he’s ready for the step up,” Young added. “Obviously there’s interest from other club’s who have finished in the top half of the table and rightly so because I know what kind of player he is and where he can get to.
“He’s definitely a player that can play in the Champions League and the big tournaments.”
The Red Devils need a defender following the exit of Raphael Varane at the end of the Premier League season.
Man United held tentative talks with the agents of Tosin Adarabioyo before he completed his free transfer to Chelsea.
They also have an interest in Nice star Jean-Clair Todibo, while have also been linked with a striker in addition to £60m-rated Michael Olise.
It was a poor end to the season, with the club finishing eighth, but Ten Hag is not going anywhere. However, fans are unlikely to see the free-spending of previous transfer windows, which has seen them shell out £411m on new arrivals since ten Hag’s appointment in 2022.
“What Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to avoid is the mistakes that United have made under their old regime, of almost bidding against themselves,” talkSPORT’s Alex Crook said.
“They’re going to have to be creative, they’re going to have to move players on. I think they’re hoping and praying that a huge money offer comes in for Casemiro from Saudi Arabia.
“Otherwise It’s going to be difficult, I think, to redevelop this squad.
“They want Michael Olise for example, at Crystal Palace. Again, I don’t see them going out and paying £60m for him at this moment in time.”