Manchester United have reportedly submitted a fresh bid to sign Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite this summer.
The Red Devils are keen to recruit the 21-year-old defender after being left impressed by his performances with the Toffees last season.
Branthwaite started 35 of Everton's 38 Premier League matches, helping Sean Dyche's side finish the season with the fourth-best defensive record.
The Toffees are facing a real battle to retain Branthwaite's services, having already turned down a £35m proposal from Man United.
Man United submit fresh Branthwaite offer
According to journalist Chris Wheeler, the Red Devils have now returned to the negotiating table with an improved offer.
They are proposing to pay £45m up front and an additional £5m in add-ons, with their second bid still considerably below Everton's asking price.
The Toffees are likely to turn down Man United's fresh proposal as they continue to hold out for a fee in the region of £70m.
Everton believe that Branthwaite should command a similar fee to transfers involving Harry Maguire and Josko Gvardiol in recent years.
The Merseyside club are ultimately under no immediate pressure to sell, with Branthwaite under contract until June 2027 after signing a new deal last October.
Man United prioritising defensive reinforcements
While the two clubs still have to agree a fee, the player has seemingly given the green light to the potential move, having agreed personal terms with Man United over a £160,000-a-week contract.
In addition to their Branthwaite pursuit, the Red Devils are also working on a deal to sign Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt from Bayern Munich.
The Netherlands international is believed to be keen on the move, leaving Man United to negotiate a transfer fee with Bayern.
Man United have made central defence one of their priorities for the summer transfer window after Raphael Varane left the club at the end of last season.
Maguire and Victor Lindelof also face uncertain futures, while Lisandro Martinez struggled with injury last term, highlighting the need for the Red Devils to add strength in depth to their backline. body check tags ::
