Everton have decided to not pursue Southampton captain Virgil van Dijk this summer, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The newspaper claims that although Everton boss Ronald Koeman is a huge admirer of the giant 26-year-old, the Toffees do not plan on adding more defensive options to the squad this summer.
The report claims that the Saints are holding out for an offer around £75million for the central defender and the Merseyside club are not willing to splash the cash especially after they completed a deal worth £25million to bring centre-back Michael Keane to Goodison Park.
Koeman will be fully aware of what the Dutchman can offer the side as he signed the defender to Southampton during the 2015-16 season.
The Southampton man might still find himself playing on Merseyside next season as the Times recently reported that local rivals Liverpool are still hopeful of signing the defender this summer.
The defender, who stands at 6ft 5in, has been one of the most consistent performers in the Premier League over the past two seasons, helping the Saints secure two consecutive top eight finishes.
The Dutchman has made a total of 55 top flight appearances in England and helped his team achieve 15 clean sheets.
Van Dijk has also proven himself on the international stage, making a total of 12 appearances for the Netherlands national team since his debut two years ago.
The Southampton captain currently has five years remaining on his contract at the club.