Everton are set to target new defenders after Ramiro Funes Mori was ruled out for up to nine months.
The centre-back missed the final two months of the Blues’ campaign with a torn meniscus sustained during Argentina’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Bolivia.
Mori underwent extensive surgery in Barcelona in a bid to correct the knee injury but requires a prolonged period of rehabilitation before his return to action.
As a result Everton estimate that the 26-year-old, a £9.5 million signing from River Plate in 2015, will be out of action for between six and nine months.
Ronald Koeman is likely to respond to the defender’s setback by scouring for reinforcements to contend with Everton’s Europa League commitments.
Earlier this month the Dutchman made Michael Keane his side’s joint-record signing as he arrived from Burnley for £30 million but will now target other options.
Ajax’s Jairo Riedewald previously emerged as a prospective signing but is set to be reunited with former manager Frank de Boer at Crystal Palace.
Koeman drafted in ex-Southampton full-back Cuco Martina on Monday as he looks to bridge the gap left by Seamus Coleman’s long-term injury comeback.