Race to sign Ramsey hots up

The Merseyside club are also expected to be joined in the race by local rivals Liverpool, just a day after Manchester United and Arsenal admitted their interest.

A statement on www.evertonfc.com read: "Everton have agreed a fee with Cardiff for Aaron Ramsey. The Bluebirds have accepted a bid of £5million for the 17-year-old midfielder and the club have now been given permission to talk to the player about a move to Goodison Park."

The race for Ramsey, considered to be the best young Welsh player since Ryan Giggs, moved swiftly on Tuesday when Manchester United announced on their website, www.manutd.com, they had agreed a fee for the Caerphilly-born youngster.

Ramsey is expected to travel to United's Carrington training ground in the next 48 hours for talks with manager Sir Alex Ferguson, before speaking to both Arsenal and Everton.

Ramsey became the youngest player to appear in an FA Cup final at Wembley as a late substitute last month and was also in Wales' squad for the two recent friendlies in Iceland and Holland, although he was not used by national boss John Toshack.

United were believed to be the only club in the race having held discussions with Cardiff boss Dave Jones in Moscow the previous week prior to the Champions League final. But as soon as the Old Trafford club made their claim, Cardiff issued a statement saying there was another bid that had been approved.

That is from Arsenal, who have also matched United's £5million offer. Everton then stepped into the battle with a similar deal.

Liverpool made a verbal inquiry last week, although they have not yet put it in writing. But Cardiff are expecting an offer from Anfield that could include two players on loan.

Ramsey's advisors have made it clear the player has not agreed terms with any of the three sides and is likely to consider his options over the weekend.