Stoke City have reportedly enquired about Everton midfielder James McCarthy.
McCarthy’s stock remains high with the Blues following a series of commanding and energetic performances since joining from Wigan in 2013.
Both Tottenham and Manchester City were credited with targeting the 25-year-old last summer but he pledged his long-term future to Everton.
But the Republic of Ireland international has attracted the interest from another of the club’s Premier League rivals, according to the Daily Mail.
Mark Hughes is claimed to have contacted his old club about the potential availability of the £13 million signing.