Manchester United have held more talks in recent weeks about the feasibility of making a move for Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite in January, according to the Daily Mail.
Sporting director Dan Ashworth is a driving force behind the interest in the Toffees star, and United have been handed a boost as he has refused to sign a new contract.
Everton have held firm to their £70 million valuation for Branthwaite since Man United first came calling last summer.
However, they could be forced to sell the Englishman during the winter transfer window if an offer close to their asking price is tabled.
The Red Devils need to make sales to generate funds ahead of January if they want to comply with Profitability and Sustainability rules, and new manager Ruben Amorim will be tasked with identifying the players not in his plans as soon as possible.
Man United had bids rejected worth up to £45m for Branthwaite in the summer, but they remain keen on securing his services given the level of interest in him from rival clubs..
Talks have now been held internally to coordinate their next approach, and the player reportedly wants to join United.
The Everton star has plenty of admirers at the club, but it will be intriguing to see whether they are willing to pay up to £70m for him.
Injuries prevented Branthwaite from making his England debut during the international break this month, and he has what it takes to play for the biggest clubs on the planet.
A back-three of Branthwaite, Leny Yoro and either Matthijs de Ligt or Lisandro Martinez could make the Red Devils impregnable at the back.
They may need to wait until summer to have a chance of landing him, as generating funds from players’ sales midway through the campaign could prove tricky.
