Everton are looking to trump Chelsea in the race to sign highly-rated centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, reports the Liverpool Echo.
The Blues looked to be in pole position to sign the Napoli defender, but are struggling to come to an agreement with the Serie A side over a fee.
Everton are now hoping to take advantage of the lack of movement between both parties to secure Koulibaly’s services.
Napoli, though, are believed to be holding out for offers of around £42m, with Chelsea at present only willing to go as high as £35m.
The Toffees are now hoping to maximise their financial muscle to convince Koulibaly to move to Goodison Park.
However, Koulibaly supposedly has his heart set on a move to Chelsea, with recently appointed manager Antonio Conte keen on bringing the Senegal man to Stamford Bridge.
Interest from both sides comes as little shock, with the 25-year-old playing the fifth most passes (2357) in Serie A last season.
For more stats on Kalidou Koulibaly, click here to view his WhoScored player page
