Everton make Manchester United transfer decision with £50m deal close to completion

Aston Villa are close to sealing the £50million signing of Belgian international midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton.

Should that deal go through, it could have huge ramifications on Manchester United's pursuit of England international defender Jarrad Branthwaite.

Villa have agreed personal terms with the 22-year-old, who recently represented Belgium at EURO 2024, and he will sign a long-term contract at Villa Park once the two clubs agree on a final fee.

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Should Onana's move be finalised, the Athletic report that Everton's stance would be that Branthwaite would no longer be for sale, 'barring any substantial offers'.

Everton believe any sale of the 22-year-old should be in a similar bracket to deals that have been done in recent years to take Harry Maguire to United and Wesley Fofana to Chelsea from Leicester City and Josko Gvardiol from RB Leipzig to Man City - all of which were above the £75million mark.

United have already seen two bids rejected for Branthwaite, with their last offer of £45million plus add ons falling way below the Toffees' valuation. They are known to be in the market for centre-halves this summer and could sign as many as three new players to aid their defensive reshuffle.

Matthijs De Ligt is another player of interest, while they have also made a bid for Lille's teenage star Leny Yoro. Raphael Varane left the club earlier this summer and looks set to join Italian side Como on a free transfer.

Willy Kambwala is on the verge of joining Villarreal, too, while Fenerbahce are known to be interested in Victor Lindelof.