James McCarthy has told Everton he wishes to leave the club.
The Republic of Ireland international is understood to have held talks with senior club officials on Friday to underline a desire to find regular first team football.
Ronald Koeman has preferred Gareth Barry and Idrissa Gana Gueye as his starting midfield pairing and has designs on adding another midfielder with Moussa Sissoko at Newcastle among his options.
McCarthy started in midfield in midweek against Yeovil Town but has played at right wing-back in the opening two league games and was taken off after 38 minutes against West Bromwich Albion in a tactical switch.