James McCarthy is keen to seal his Everton exit before Wednesday’s transfer window deadline.
The Republic of Ireland international has informed Ronald Koeman of his desire to leave Goodison Park amid fears his first-team prospects will be limited.
Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gueye have forged the Blues’ central midfield pairing during the opening weeks of the Premier League season under Koeman.
Leicester City and Crystal Palace are thought to be among those chasing McCarthy, a £13 million signing from Wigan in 2013, despite currently being sidelined with a groin injury.
Koeman remains determined to keep the 25-year-old but admits that the decisions whether or not to stay at Everton will rest with the player.
He said: “We would like to keep players, and we want James to stay.
“But it is up to the player.”