Norwich City and Crystal Palace are believed to have joined the race for Wigan Athletic striker Arouna Kone.
The Ivory Coast ace netted 13 goals under Roberto Martinez for the Latics last season, prompting speculation that the Spaniard wants him at Everton.
But reports suggest that the Canaries and Palace have joined the likes of Liverpool and Hull City in the queue for Kone who intends to remain in the Premier League this summer.
"You always have ambitions as a footballer, and I don't intend to play in the English second division," he told The Sun.
"Wigan have gone down, which is a real shame. It's up to them to set out their stance about my situation. I aim to play for one of the best clubs in England, and I hope I will get the chance.
"I've had plenty of approaches. I can't reveal the names of the clubs.
"But Crystal Palace have gone up, and from the moment a club is in the Premier League that is good for me.
"I'm under contract with Wigan for two more years. But if there is an offer that is good for both me and Wigan I will seek to leave."
