Everton are targeting Virgil van Dijk as Ronald Koeman prepares to raid former club Southampton.
Van Dijk has reportedly been earmarked as the Blues’ long-term solution in defence to John Stones’ £47.5 million move to Manchester City this summer.
The 25-year-old was signed by Koeman during his time on the South Coast and came back to haunt his old boss in Everton’s defeat to the Saints last weekend.
According to the Daily Mirror, Goodison Park officials are undeterred by the prospect of meeting the former Celtic centre-back’s £40 million price tag.
Manchester United and City are also thought to be keen on Van Dijk while Everton’s local rivals Liverpool were previously linked with a move for him.