Everton face competition from West Ham in their pursuit of Jose Fonte.
The Southampton captain has failed to feature since facing the Blues on January 2, which came just days before he submitted a transfer request to the club.
Fonte has turned down the South Coast club’s offer of an extended contract, with 18 months now remaining on his existing deal at St Mary’s.
Ronald Koeman worked with the Portugal international during his time in charge of the Saints and is considering drafting in the centre-back at Goodison Park.
But the Daily Mirror claim that Everton are set to encounter stern opposition to sign Fonte from West Ham, who are also eyeing defensive reinforcements.
Slaven Bilic will be armed with a sizeable budget this month to help snare his former club to the 33-year-old, who Southampton value at £12 million.