Everton are competing with West Ham United for Dundee United fullback Andrew Robertson.
The Liverpool Echo says Robertson has been a long-term target for the Blues, with Roberto Martinez already planning to lure a player dubbed 'the next Leighton Baines' to Goodison this summer.
But Hammers boss Sam Allardyce has jumped in first with two failed bids, and that could force Martinez's hand for a 20-year-old who has already represented Scotland twice.
The Blues have been monitoring the Tannadice defender since last summer, and his stock rose rapidly during last term's Scottish Premier League campaign.
It is likely Robertson would be loaned out to a Championship side to gather experience if he joined Everton, with Leighton Baines and Bryan Oviedo providing cover at left back.
