According to Sky Sports, Everton are close to agreeing a deal for England midfielder Tom Cleverley.
The 25-year-old spent last season on-loan at Aston Villa from Manchester United and he is a free agent this summer with his United contract expiring.
He is not wanted by current United boss Louis van Gaal, so is unlikely to sign a new contract with the Red Devils, who he had made 76 appearances for under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Villa are believed to be keen on keeping the England international, but the midfielder is believed to prefer a move to Everton to link-up with Toffees boss Roberto Martinez, who he played under in a loan spell at Wigan.
Cleverley had finished the season in strong form and looked settled at Villa. It seemed like it was highly possible that the midfielder would join the club on a permanent basis.
That possibility seems to be getting more unlikely by day, as Everton’s talks with Cleverley are believed to be progressing well.
Toffees boss Martinez is a big admirer of the England international and has already stated that he will not have a lot of money to spend to strengthen his squad this summer.
Cleverley arriving on a free transfer would boost the Toffees midfield options, without taking away any money from Martinez’s small transfer kitty.
The midfielder had also previously been linked with moves to Arsenal and Tottenham, but it seems he could be plying his trade on Merseyside in the new season.
Will Tom Cleverley be an Everton player next season?
