Everton have held talks with Barcelona over a possible £17.4million deal for highly rated young centre back Jean-Clair Todibo.
The 20-year old was a target for Everton in January but he joined Bundesliga side Schalke on loan for the rest of the season instead.
The Goodison club are looking to bolster their defensive options having already lined up left sided centre back Gabriel Magalhaes in a £25m transfer from Lille, as reported by Sportsmail last month.
Todibo, a 6ft 3ins France Under 20 international, is one of several players Barcelona are prepared to sell as they look to raise transfer funds for the next window.