Everton are lining up a January swoop for Middlesbrough youngster Marcus Tavernier, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claims that the Toffees have been alerted to the 18-year-old attacker after his breakthrough into the first team at Boro.
It is understood that the Merseyside club could make a bid in January for him and that his current contract expires next summer.
The report details that Arsenal are also keen on Tavernier after sending scouts to watch him, while Bournemouth and Aston Villa are other potential suitors.
Tavernier is becoming an important first-team player under Garry Monk and scored the winning goal in a recent 1-0 win over Sunderland.
Good move for Everton?
Everton have become renowned for nursing young talents and the Boro starlet is certainly an exciting prospect.
The teenager has blistering pace and his great technical ability has grabbed the attention of some Premier League teams.
Everton need to focus on appointing a full-time manager before lining up January targets, but Tavernier is someone that could be considered later down the line.
It will be interesting to see how he develops in the Championship this campaign after being given his first proper senior role.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
There is set to be a mad scramble for highly-rated Tavernier and Everton’s track record with young players could give them the edge.
However, Championship outfit Boro are expected to trigger a year-option on Tavernier’s deal in the near future.
The Toffees have shown in recent years they are willing to pick up players from the lower leagues and there is a possibility the Boro left-winger could be the next to follow suit.
This Is Futbol rating: 4/10