MANCHESTER UNITED and Chelsea are locked in a
£20million battle for Everton teen Jack Rodwell.
Both clubs see the elegant midfielder as a key target and are
willing to force the Toffees' hand with lucrative offers.
Chelsea have already bid £14m for the starlet, with United
valuing him at £16m.
But with Goodison boss David Moyes desperate to keep hold of the
brightest talent to come out of the academy since Wayne Rooney, it
will take around £20m to prise 18-year-old Rodwell away.
He signed a five-year deal in February and is not desperate to
leave Everton - where he has become a permanent fixture in the
side.
However, the lure of Old Trafford and the chance to play
alongside Rooney would certainly be a factor especially as it would
mean not having to leave the North West.
With doubts over the long-term fitness of Owen Hargreaves, Red
Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson is keen on another holding midfielder
and England Under-21 regular Rodwell is seen as the perfect
option.
United wanted to offer cash plus youngster Matthew James for
Rodwell.
But it was made clear to them that only a straight cash deal
would be considered.