Everton are preparing to trump Barcelona to the signing of highly-rated Uruguay defender Mauricio Lemos, according to reports in Spain.
Lemos is expected to leave the Russian club during the close season, with the Catalan giants knocked back in an initial €4 million bid for the Uruguary under-23 star.
The 20-year-old Ruban Kazan centre-back spent the season on loan at La Liga side Las Palmas, impressing Barca scouts despite making just 10 appearances for the Yellows.
And Barcelona-based media outlet Sport writes that Everton have joined the race to sign the Uruguayan, with Blues officials poised to take advantage of the uncertainty surrounding Lemos’ future by making an offer in the region of €10 million for the player.
Everton, who dismissed underperforming manager Roberto Martinez on Thursday, are believed to be in the market for a new central defender this summer, with doubts persisting over the future of their much-coveted England international John Stones.