Everton are continuing their pursuit of Moussa Sissoko.
Reports on Tuesday suggested that the Toffees were set to challenge Crystal Palace for the Newcastle United midfielder.
Now it is understood that Everton have representatives in France to speak to Sissoko's agent about a summer transfer.
The 26-year-old France international has been linked with a number of clubs in recent weeks, including Spanish giants Real Madrid, but could be back in the Premier League before the close of the transfer window at the end of August.
Newcastle are preparing to sell Sissoko but want around £35million to dispense with his services which the cashed up Toffees can afford under the ownership of Farhad Moshiri.
It was suggested that Palace were planning to use the cash they made from the sale of winger Yannick Bolasie to Goodison Park to lure Sissoko to Selhurst Park but they could coincidentally lose out to the ambitious Merseysiders.