Everton are close to sealing a club record deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Moutinho.
Everton boss David Moyes has had a long-standing interest in Moutinho, 21, and paid special attention to him during the European Championship but was given little chance of meeting the asking price.
New Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari emerged as the favourite to sign a player he introduced to the international stage as Portugal coach, but made it clear he would not be bidding after signing Deco.
Now, following weeks of negotiations, Everton, who have yet to make a signing during this transfer window, believe they will soon have their man by making an initial downpayment followed by a series of further instalments over several years.
