Manchester United make initial £45m offer for Everton's Jarrad ...

However, Everton face financial challenges and Sean Dyche, the manager, has conceded they may have to listen to offers for players. Branthwaite is their most saleable asset, though it is thought the profitability and sustainability rules that Everton previously contravened may not be a factor in this, providing the club with a firmer bargaining position.

Branthwaite impressed for Everton during what was another difficult campaign for the Merseysiders. He was also a member of Gareth Southgate’s 33-man England training group for the European Championship but was dropped for the final 26-player squad.

Erik ten Hag – who kept his job as manager this week – was forced last season to field 15 combinations in central defence, with his first-choice centre-back, Lisandro Martínez, suffering an injury-disrupted campaign. Branthwaite, who is left-footed, is seen by Ten Hag as being an upgrade in that position, as well as being something who can provide another option there, with Raphaël Varane having recently left Old Trafford.

With Dan Ashworth having yet started as United’s sporting director – he remains on gardening leave – Jason Wilcox, the technical director, is leading the club’s summer business.

Guardian