Bristol City defender Joe Bryan is attracting Premier League interest.
The Mirror says Everton are battling Newcastle and Brighton to land Bryan for £7million.
Everton boss Sam Allardyce is desperate for a left-back this month and is impressed by Bryan, who is one of the heroes of their march to the Carabao Cup semis.
Bryan, 24, opened the scoring in City's quarter-final win over Manchester United last month when he was named man of the match.
Toon owner Mike Ashley has given Rafa Benitez the green light to pursue Bryan, despite his takeover talks with Amanda Staveley , and they are preparing a bid.