Everton transfer rumours: Blues identify centre-back signing, Spurs want McCarthy, Toffees scout at Benfica

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• 10:13, 29 JULY 2015
• BY JOE RIMMER

A round-up of transfer rumours and speculation from around the web

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 Football - Everton v Dynamo Kiev - UEFA Europa League Third Round First Leg - Goodison Park, Merseyside, England - 12/3/15 Dynamo Kiev's Aleksandar Dragovic looks dejected

Have Everton found Sylvain Distin's replacement?

Well, maybe so, if you believe the rumour mill. According to reports, the Blues have overtaken Napoli in the race to sign Dynamo Kiev central defender Alekandar Dregovic.

Sport Italia are saying that Everton have stepped up their pursuit of the 24-year-old Austrian International, and are in advanced talks with the Ukranian champions.

A €14million (£9million) deal seems to be nearing completion for Dragovic, who made 29 appearances for Dynamo last term across all competitions.

More Everton FC news today

• Blues still need new striker and Four other things we learned
• Everton's Young Guns give Martinez added pleasure
• Everton allay fears of Lukaku injury set-back
• Dundee 0-2 Everton: Final whistle report

Next, it would appear Tottenham Hotspur are being somewhat persistent in their desire to sign James McCarthy.

The Daily Mirror reports the London club will open talks with Everton this week, they say the 24-year-old Irishman has become disillusioned at failed promises to improve his contract.

Despite Roberto Martinez insisting he is not for sale, reports suggest Spurs are become increasingly confident a deal can be done.

The Republic of Ireland International signed a five-year-deal when he moved to Goodison from Wigan in 2013, and while other players have been handed improved deals, McCarthy has not.

Finally, according to reports, Everton sent their head of player recruitment Ian Atkins to Benfica's U21's match against Birmingham City last night.

SportsWitness have revealed Atkins travelled to St George's Park yesterday to watch Benfica youngsters defeat Birmingham City 1-0.

Let's hope we see the next Cristiano Ronaldo or João Moutinho gracing the Goodison turf in the distant future.