The Guardian reports that Everton are likely to give up on their pursuit of Crystal Palace defender Scott Dann.

The Toffees have been circling for Dann but will drop their interest after being told that the defender will remain a key member of Alan Pardew's squad next season.

The 28-year old centre-half, a £2.6million signing from Blackburn Rovers in January 2014, still has two years left on his contract at the Selhurst Park.

Roberto Martinez is on the lookout for a new central defender after Sylvain Distin's contract was not renewed beyond the summer but Palace's Player of the Year Dann is unlikely to be that man.