Everton are hoping to resolve the uncertainty over John Stones’ future as quickly as possible.
Stones has intimated his desire to leave the Blues and had planned on securing a move to Manchester City in time for the start of the club’s pre-season campaign earlier this week.
However interest from the Etihad Stadium has yet to be firmed up with a formal offer, which has prompted Everton to adopt a hard-line stance in resolving the England defender’s situation.
According to the Daily Mail, Ronald Koeman is keen to kick-start his Goodison Park recruitment drive, having only signed Fulham goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg to date.
That will mean a swift process in the likely sale of Stones to one of the club’s Premier League rivals, with Manchester United and Chelsea also understood to be interested.
Three approaches were made from Stamford Bridge last summer but were rejected by Everton officials as the 22-year-old stayed put for a further 12 months.
Stones will not be allowed to leave Goodison for less than £50 million, given Chelsea’s unsuccessful £40M bid little under 12 months ago.
But with the player still intent on leaving Merseyside, a deal will need to be concluded shortly to allow Koeman to identify potential replacements for the centre-back.
Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly has emerged as a likely successor despite interest from Chelsea.