Everton eyeing Jacob Greaves Hull City deal amid Manchester United's Jarrad Branthwaite pursuit

Everton are continuing to keep tabs on Hull City star Jacob Greaves as the Toffees consider a move for the 23-year-old central defender as a possible replacement for Jarrad Branthwaite.

Reports emerged at the back end of the week that Manchester United had agreed personal terms with the talented England defender, though their valuation is thought to be some way away from Everton's value.

It's expected United will conclude a deal this summer and that will leave the Blues with a gap in their backline, and one Sean Dyche believes could be filled by Greaves, who was named in the Championship's Team of the Season for a terrific campaign with City.

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The Tigers do not want to sell Greaves and would like the Hull-born ace to stay for one more campaign and help lead Tim Walter's side to promotion to the Premier League, but understand the players' desire to play in the top flight.

City would only consider selling Greaves if he makes clear his desire to test himself in the Premier League, and a significant bid was received, which would ease the club's Financial Fair Play concerns and help Walter's plans to stamp his authority on his squad ahead of the new campaign.

Speaking to Hull Live earlier this month, owner Acun Ilicali said there had not been any cast iron offers for Greaves, but expects those will be forthcoming this summer, with West Ham and Nottingham Forest also keen.

"He's (Tan Kesler) feeling like there will be some offers coming and I will underline something again; if you ask me, I will never sell them. The only reason (I will sell them) they will come to me and say that they want to go," Ilicali said.

"I advised (Keane Lewis) Potter not to go, and if he had stayed that year, it would be good for him and us together and one year later, he could go. Again, about these boys (Greaves and Philogene) if they feel like they're going to play and they're going to be successful for me, their future is more important always above my benefits.

"Greaves wants to play in the Premier League. He's such a nice boy, he just said to me (his wish to play in the Premier League). I love him as a character. He's a real captain.

"I address him from here. Greaves, we need you. You are so good and please be with us, but if his brain and soul are completely with another club, we will not stop him."