Everton are planning a January raid for Derby midfielder Will Hughes.
According to a report in The Sun Ronald Koeman has identified the 21-year-old as the type of player that can quickly be developed into a real force in the top flight.
Hughes is under contract with Derby until June 2018 but has resisted moves to extend his deal with the Championship promotion chasers.
Liverpool have been linked with the midfielder in the past but their interest cooled last season as the midfielder struggled with injuries.
Hughes has been a fixture in the Derby side this season with returning boss Steve McLaren keen to secure him onto a new contract. Hughes is aware of the interest from elsewhere and will only commit himself to staying with Derby if they gain promotion to the Premier League.
Everton are expected to be among the biggest spenders during the January transfer window with an interest in Virgil van Dijk and Manchester United duo Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin.