Manchester United midfielder Tom Cleverley has stalled on a move to Aston Villa.
Villa are willing to pay £7 million to land the England midfielder.
But sources close to Cleverley have indicated the player has made Everton his first-choice, with Villa second. But the Blues are only interested in a loan transfer.
United are keen for Cleverley to go to Villa, who have offered around £7m for him, as they seek to recoup cash to offset their big summer spending.
A loan deal for the 25-year-old midfielder would cost Everton £2m-3m, as well as his £50,0000-a-week wages, with a view to a permanent deal next year.
