Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Moutinho was brought up-to-speed yesterday over Everton's interest.

A Bola says Everton have informed Moutinho's agent, Pini Zahavi, they're ready to make an opening £16 million offer - and it's understood they'd be prepared to go to £18 million for the Portugal international.

No offer has been made in writing, but Everton are expected to table a formal bid in the coming days.

Yesterday, Moutinho met with Sporting chief Miguel Ribeiro Teles, who brought the midfielder up-to-speed on developments.