Everton have identified FC Braga’s £1.5million-rated Elderson Echiejile as a possible replacement for Manchester United target Leighton Baines according to the Mirror
Baines, 28, continues to be linked with a switch to Old Trafford which would see him reunited with his former boss David Moyes.
Toffees boss Roberto Martinez is privately bracing himself for the departure of the England full-back and is drawing up contingency plans.
Echiejile, 25, was part of the Nigeria squad that took part in the Confederations Cup this summer and has 33 caps for his country.
Braga have a £4m release clause in Echiejile’s contract, but accept they will have to sell at a fraction of that price as the defender has just a year remaining on his contract.