Sam Allardyce likes a good defensive midfielder, as he showed when he decided he wanted Steven N’Zonzi at Everton when the France international was having problems with then Sevilla manager Eduardo Berizzo.
With that situation now mostly resolved since the arrival of Vincenzo Montella and the former Blackburn man not leaving for much less than his €40m release clause, it appears the attention has turned elsewhere.
This is what Foot Mercato are reporting on Tuesday, as they claim Everton are one of two clubs keeping tabs on Petrus Boumal.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder, who spent his early years in France with Sochaux, recently transferred to Russian Premier League club FC Ural from CSKA Sofia.
Since his arrival, Boumal has started 12 of a possible 16 games, and is quickly making a name for himself in the team.
Foot Mercato explain that Everton could make a move as early as this summer if Idrissa Gueye ends up moving to a bigger club come the end of the season.
RC Genk in Belgium are reported to have tried a €2m offer in January, quickly rejected by the Russian side.
Guess that means Everton will need to pay more than that if they want to sign him.