Everton remain favourites to land Wigan Athletic striker Arouna Kone.
The Liverpool Echo says Roberto Martinez is hoping he will still be able to complete a deal to be reunited with Arouna Kone despite a last-ditch attempt by Newcastle United to hijack the move.
Everton have been in advanced talks to sign the £6.5m Wigan forward this week, but it emerged yesterday that Toon boss Alan Pardew had made an offer which also activated the 29-year-old's release clause at the DW stadium.
However, it appears the Ivory Coast international is set on a move to Goodison, and new Toffees boss Martinez will attempt to push through a deal for the player he signed 12 months ago.