Everton are closing in on a deal for Barcelona left back Lucas Digne after positive talks were held between dignitaries of the two clubs.
Toffees director of football Marcel Brands travelled to Barcelona earlier this week in the hope of sealing a deal for Digne and it is understood terms could be finalised as early as Monday.
New manager Marco Silva wants to play with three centre backs next season and sees Digne as a fitting replacement for Leighton Baines.
Sportsmail reported earlier this month that Everton were ready to pay £18million for the France international although at this stage it is not known what fee the two clubs might agree on.
Brands is also expected to try to sign defender Yerry Mina while in Barcelona. The Colombian is surplus to requirements at the Nou Camp but drew plenty of admiring glances with his dominant displays at the World Cup.
Everton have made an offer in excess of £27m for Mina, but are facing competition from an unnamed Premier League club for his signature. Any bidding war with a rival could drive the price up further.
Similar to last season, in which £180m was spent in transfers, Everton have backed Silva in the transfer market as they look to break into the Premier League's top six.
Richarlison became the latest addition after agreeing a £44m move from Watford, sealing a substantial profit for the selling club after they paid just £11m to sign him last summer.