Everton are lining up a January swoop for Boca Juniors and Colombia international midfielder Wilmar Barrios, according to AS Argentina.
The Argentine outlet report that the Toffees have been tracking the 25-year-old since the summer but Barrios decided to remain in Buenos Aires in order to play in the Copa Libertadores.
AS claim that Barrios is now ready to make the move to Europe and Everton are set to make an approach for his services this week, with the club ready to meet his £18million release clause.
It is said that Boca are already lining up Jorman Campuzano to replace Barrios.
Good move for Everton?
Yes.
Everton have seen some improvements in midfield this season with the addition of Andre Gomes, who has formed a flourishing partnership with Idrissa Gueye.
However, the poor form of players like Tom Davies and Morgan Schneiderlin, and injuries to players like James McCarthy, mean that the Toffees could do with reinforcements in that area.
Barrios is a player who has been tracked by several Premier League clubs for a while and would add some steel to the Everton midfield, although he would also likely take some time to adapt to English football.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It looks like Everton are lining up a bid of £18million for Barrios, which would trigger his release from Boca Juniors.
They also look to be the only Premier League team linked at the moment, which is promising, with Tottenham heavily rumoured with a move for the Colombian enforcer previously.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10