Everton have spoken to Mainz about £30million-rated Jean-Philippe Gbamin who can play in midfield or at centre back, which remains a priority position with Kurt Zouma likely to stay at Chelsea.
Jean-Philippe Gbamin's agent Bernard Collignon told Le Parisien: 'He is excited about the possibility of joining Everton.
'Discovering the Premier League at a team at the top of table would be a great opportunity for him and represent a great next step.'
Marco Silva, who oversaw a 0-0 pre-season draw away at Wigan Athletic on Wednesday night, is keen to bolster his squad with two weeks left of the transfer window in England.
Attack is a key focus for the Toffees boss with £80m-rated Wilfried Zaha the club's primary target if he can be prized away from Crystal Palace.
But defence is lacking another player with Zouma unlikely to return given Chelsea are facing up to a two window transfer ban, ensuring they cannot replace any players who depart.
Idrissa Gana Gueye is also departing for Paris Saint-Germain and so Jean-Philippe Gbamin's versatility makes him a sensible and realistic target before the window closes.
