Everton are keeping close tabs on Steve Cook.
According to a report in The Sun the Bournemouth defender is being lined up as a plan B if the move for Burnley’s Michael Keane falls through.
Cook has been in outstanding form this season as Bournemouth defied second season syndrome to stay well clear of the relegation scrap.
The 25-year-old has come through the divisions since joining Bournemouth in 2012 and not looked out of place in the top flight with his form also attracting the interest of West Ham and West Brom who are both looking for a domineering central defender.
Ronald Koeman has had two disappointing transfer windows since moving to Everton but is putting in all the groundwork to ensure that he gets his targets this summer.
Everton were one of the first clubs to show interest in Keane but now face competition from both Manchester clubs for the England defender.