Everton want to strengthen their defence by signing Belgium international defender Toby Alderweireld from Ajax according to the Metro
The 24-year-old can play in the centre of defence or at right-back and only has 12 months remaining on his contract in Amsterdam.
He was linked with Norwich earlier in the summer and a deal was on the cards until the two sides found themselves unable to agree personal terms.
Alderweireld’s agent Soren Lerby claims the Toffees are now keen to take the centre-half to Goodison Park before the transfer window closes and said: ‘It’s true that Everton have made an approach for Alderweireld.
‘But there are other concrete options. Toby will now have to decide which team he sees as the biggest challenge.’
Ajax have already signed Mike van der Hoorn as a replacement as they expected the defender to leave with Liverpool and Tottenham having been linked with Alderweireld.
If Everton manager Roberto Martinez signs the defender he will become his fifth summer signing after capturing centre-half Antolin Alcaraz, goalkeeper Joel Robles, forward Arouna Kone and Barcelona’s on-loan attacker Gerard Deulofeu.