Everton are planning to hijack Chelsea’s deal for Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly.
Interest in the Senegal international comes after John Stones told the Blues of his plans to join Manchester City this summer.
Antonio Conte had planned to raid his former Serie A stomping ground for Koulibaly but Everton have stolen a march on the Londoners with a reported offer in excess of £35 million.
Calciomercato claim that Ronald Koeman has moved swiftly in his efforts to trump Conte to the 25-year-old’s services.
However Napoli are said to be holding out for a higher valuation of €50 million (£42M) to part with Koulibaly.