Manchester United have reportedly been given encouragement that Everton will be willing to sell Jarrad Branthwaite ahead of the January transfer window.
Branthwaite has been a long-time United target after emerging as one of Everton's most valued assets with some imperious defensive displays in recent seasons.
The Red Devils were linked with the 22-year-old this summer and were said to be in talks with the Toffees but failed to agree a fee for the £70million-rated player.
Now United and other Premier League rivals have been alerted to the possibility of signing Branthwaite, according to the Daily Mail, with manager Sean Dyche said to be open to selling him to in order to strengthen his squad.
Everton look to be in another relegation fight after finding themselves in 16th place after 10 games - four points away from the drop zone - and the report says Dyche could have no choice but to accept offers to ensure his squad are equipped for the season ahead.
It adds that there may be a "temptation" to sell Branthwaite in the near future in order to get the maximum money from him possible, with his current deal expiring in 2027 and the club unable to offer him a new deal.
Ruben Amorim is preparing to take over at United in the coming days and it won't be long before he starting eyeing up his January targets - with the report claiming United have been given further encouragement on Branthwaite.
The player has been named on the substitutes bench for the last two games running - coming on for just six minutes in total across both matches - having struggled with a groin in this campaign.
The report says United may be more likely to return to the table for Branthwaite, especially if he doesn't get more minutes under Dyche.
Branthwaite missed the start of the season and has only made one start - in the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in September - before suffering another injury blow.
Dyche's decision to leave him out for both matches has left fans baffled amid their poor run of form - after being beaten 1-0 by relegation rivals Southampton last time out.
Branthwaite, who has played 56 times for Everton since making his debut in 2019, would rival a number of defenders at United if he joined - including Leny Yoro, Lisandro Martinez, Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.