Manchester United are willing to go to £5 million for Crewe Alexandra youngster Nick Powell.

Around £2m of the fee will be paid up front and the rest will follow, based on the teenager's appearances, says the Daily Mail.

It is possible the youngster will go back to Crewe on loan for a season and he is thought to be anxious to secure he will be playing regular football next season.

Crewe are holding out for £3m up-front for Powell, tipped as the best player to come through Dario Gradi's famous academy.