Everton are in pole position to sign Lille defender Adama Soumaoro after favourable scouting reports moved the club closer to a January bid, according to the Daily Mail.
The Toffees were reported to have entered the race for the 25-year-old in the last couple of days, but now look to be the favourites to secure his signature after extensive scouting missions.
Sam Allardyce is looking to strengthen his defensive options in January, and favourable reports from scouts mean that he is now considering a bid for the versatile enforcer.
Soumaoro is rated at around £20million, and with Lille struggling financially this season, a sale could be on the cards in January.
Good move for Everton?
The Toffees have conceded 29 goals in their 17 league fixtures, but have shown improvement under their new boss recently, shipping just one goal in three games.
There is however little doubt that Allardyce needs to beef up his defence in January, with his back line too often looking susceptible.
Soumaoro looks to be a solid January signing. He is strong, quick, and versatile, able to play anywhere along the back line.
Because of his versatility, Allardyce would only have to make one defensive acquisition in January, and would be able focus his attention elsewhere.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Everton look to have stepped up their pursuit of Soumaoro, and Lille look like they might sell in January.
As previously reported by the Mail, the club have been threatened with relegation or a transfer ban by the National Directorate of Management, the financial division of Ligue 1, if they do not raise £23million in the near future.
With Soumaoro valued at around that price, they could rid themselves of their financial worries in one go.
If Everton are willing to stump up the cash then this looks like a deal that could be sealed pretty quickly.
This is Futbol rating: 7.5/10