Manchester United are aiming to do a deal worth £75million for Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite regardless of whether Erik ten Hag remains at the club as manager.

The Mirror report the club's new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe has already compiled a shortlist of summer targets, which Branthwaite tops.

Ratcliffe is said to be keen to invest in young, homegrown talent who will provide a maximum return on investment.

And the centre-back, 21, fits the bill despite having made just 44 appearances for the Toffees.

Real Madrid are also thought to be watching one of the most highly-coveted defenders in world football after his breakthrough season at Goodison Park.

Gareth Southgate is understood to be considering drafting Branthwaite into his England squad for this month's friendly matches against Brazil and Belgium.

Everton have already received a six-point deduction for breaking the Premier League's financial rules this season, with more points expected to be docked before the end of the campaign.

Their financial position offers encouragement to the likes of United that a deal can be done in the early weeks of this summer.

In other news

Everton could fill that potential gap in their defence by signing Jacob Greaves from Hull, report Football Insider.

Manchester City are exploring a move for Newcastle midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, who Football Transfers state has a £100m release clause in his contract.

Reports in Spain suggest Borussia Dortmund are keen to send forward Donyell Malen to Manchester United in a bid to keep Jadon Sancho in Germany.