Everton have made fresh contact with Sporting Lisbon for midfielder Joao Moutinho.

The Liverpool Echo says the Blues have already had one offer for Sporting Lisbon's captain rebuffed, it is understood they have been in contact with the Portuguese side and made an offer that will smash the club record £11.25m they paid for Ayegbeni Yakubu 12 months ago.

There is still some way to go before a deal can be brokered but talks are ongoing with Sporting's board and Everton are prepared to be patient to land their top summer target Moutinho, who has told Portuguese media that he has his heart set on a move to Merseyside.