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.

BIG GUNS IN £20M JACK RODWELL BATTLE | News Of The World