Everton are currently firm favourites to land Juan Mata from Manchester United.
The out-of-favour playmaker faces a summer of upheaval following Jose Mourinho’s appointment at the Old Trafford helm and has attracted interest from across Europe.
But reports in Spain suggest that the newly-rich Blues are now in pole position to land Mata.
Catalan newspaper Sport claim that the 28-year-old’s price tag, thought to stand in excess of £20 million, is only attainable to Real Madrid, Barcelona and Atletico Madrid.
However none of La Liga’s top three sides appear intent on making a move for Mata, leaving Ronald Koeman cleared to convince the player to move to Goodison Park.
Valencia remain keen on brokering a deal for the Spain international but would have to sanction the sale of a high-profile player to afford the transfer fee.
Negotiations between Everton and United officials over Mata remain ongoing.