Everton have made a formal bid for Chelsea forward Bertrand Traore, according to Foot Mercato.
The French news outlet claim that Everton are among six top-flight clubs to have made a formal approach to sign the 21-year-old this summer, and that Chelsea are open to offers of at least £17million.
Traore spent the 2016-17 campaign on loan at Dutch Eredivisie outfit Ajax, where he made 39 appearances in all competitions, contributing 13 goals and six assists.
However, he returns to Stamford Bridge this summer having yet to feature under manager Antonio Conte, and faces fierce competition for a place in his starting eleven.
But Everton are understood to be keen to bring the Burkina Faso international to Goodison Park this summer, and have submitted an offer to Chelsea.
It had earlier been reported by Turkish outlet Fanatik that the Toffees were one of eight sides tracking Traore, although they did not credit them with having made any formal transfer bid.
In the latest development, meanwhile, Footmercato.net have hinted that Everton have now stepped up their interest.
Premier League rivals West Ham, as well as European giants Lyon, Schalke, Borussia Monchengladbach and Lille are also said by the French news outlet to have made offers, of which one stands at just under £15million.
Traore earned a regular role in the Chelsea first-team squad at the end of the 2015-16 season, adding four goals and one assist from 16 appearances in all competitions.
The player is currently on international duty for the next three weeks, but Chelsea will have the final say on a potential summer transfer.