Everton join race for Barcelona forward Malcom as they 'submit enquiry'

Everton have launched their opening gambit to sign highly-rated Barcelona forward Malcom by 'submitting an official enquiry'.

The Brazilian only joined the Catalan giants back in the summer in a deal worth around £45.5million from Bordeaux but his time in Spain has not gone according to plan.

Despite being promised significant playing time, which persuaded him to make a U-turn on his decision to join Roma at the last minute, he has featured just nines times in all competitions and has only played 97 minutes of La Liga football.

The 21-year-old has shown glimpses in his brief outings of the talent  which made him such a sought-after commodity back in the summer but is yet to convince Ernesto Valverde he deserves a starting berth.

Reports in Spain have suggested he could leave in January in search of regular playing time with several clubs in China monitoring his situation.

Everton were one of a host of clubs who were trying to sign Malcom last summer and according to Marca, have revived their interest in him and asked about the possibility of bringing him to Goodison Park this month.

However, the Spanish publication have claimed Malcom has told Barcelona officials he is happy at the club and wants to fight for a place in the team.

It is understood Malcom will reassess his situation should nothing change in regards to his playing time in the second half of the season, but has fundamentally ruled out a move in January.