Newcastle United are ready to open the bidding on Everton's £20million-rated midfielder James McCarthy.
Leicester, Sunderland and Crystal Palace have also expressed strong interest in the Republic of Ireland international though have yet to bid.
McCarthy was left out of the squad on Saturday that beat Stoke after talks with Everton on Friday.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman wants a replacement in before he can agree to letting the 25-year-old go while Everton will want close to £20m for a player that cost them £13m from Wigan in 2013.