Everton are reportedly ready to battle Tottenham Hotspur for Lille midfielder Yves Bissouma.
Sky Sports write that the 21-year-old initially caught the eye of former Director of Football Steve Walsh, who left the club earlier this month.
However, he fits the type of player the club are after and the Blues could still make an approach for the Mali international.
Bissouma plays in the centre of midfield, in a similar role to Idrissa Gana Gueye, and has made 30 Ligue 1 appearances this campaign.
The player only signed professional terms with the French club two years ago but has really progressed this season, thus attracting attention from elsewhere.
Spurs are keen to sign the player as a long term replacement for Moussa Dembele, whose future with the North London club looks uncertain
The 31-year-old has been continually linked with moves to China and Italy this summer, although Spurs would still want a considerable fee for the player before considering letting him leave.
Bissouma is also courting interest from several European clubs, including Schalke and Monaco, so Everton will face a battle if they do decide they want to sign him.
