Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is in talks for Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia.
The Daily Mail says Stoke are ready to pay a club record £6m to land Mbia.
Manager Tony Pulis held talks over a four-year deal with representatives of the powerful 6ft 1in Cameroon international on Thursday night, and the player is expected to discuss personal terms this weekend.
Mbia has been a long-term target for Everton but they were unable to agree a fee for the 23-year-old, while Arsenal showing passing interest in January.
Mbia had looked set to sign for French rivals Marseille earlier this week before the deal collapsed.