1 Everton manager Roberto Martinez is a big fan of Bolton youngster Rob Holding

Everton are leading the race to sign Bolton defender Rob Holding, but will have to fork out over £10million for the highly-rated 20-year-old.

Trotters starlet Holding, a product of the club’s academy, was voted Wanderers’ Player of the Year by fans this season, despite their relegation from the Championship to League One.

The young centre-back has been on the radar of a number of top-flight clubs since making his first-team debut last August, making 30 appearances and scoring once. He recently signed a one-year contract extension at his hometown club.

But Everton are keen to sign him this summer and will step up their pursuit after seeing their opening offer rejected by the new Bolton hierarchy.

And, according to talkSPORT sources, Toffees boss Roberto Martinez is currently preparing a second bid for the youngster, who could feature for England’s Under-21s in the prestigious Toulon Tournament this month.

North London rivals Tottenham and Arsenal have also expressed a strong interest in Holding, although the Trotters board are keen to hold on to their prized asset to help them get back to the second tier next season.

However, if a bid matches Bolton’s valuation for one of their hottest prospects, the club are prepared to do business.