Everton have confirmed they have received permission to speak to highly rated teenager Aaron Ramsey after they agreed a £5m fee with Cardiff for the player.
The race for Ramsey, considered to be the best young Welsh player since Ryan Giggs, moved swiftly yesterday when Manchester United announced they had agreed a fee for the Caerphilly-born youngster.
There had been speculation that Everton and city rivals Liverpool were both poised to enter the raise to sign the player and the Blues have subsequently confirmed on their website they have had a bid accepted.
A statement on www.evertonfc.com read: “Everton have agreed a fee with Cardiff for Aaron Ramsey.
“The Bluebirds have accepted a bid of £5m from Everton for the 17-year-old midfielder.
“Everton have now been given permission to talk to the player about a move to Goodison Park.”
Manchester United have also had a bid accepted and Arsenal have matched United’s offer.
Ramsey made 22 senior appearances for David Jones’ Cardiff side last season, netting two goals.
He was used as a substitute in the FA Cup final defeat to Portsmouth and was selected by John Toshack for Wales’ squad for the recent international friendlies against Holland and Iceland.