Everton expect to complete the signing of Wolves and England defender Conor Coady this week.
Sources say the Toffees believe they have beaten West Ham to the signature of the 29-year-old, who wants to leave Molineux for a guarantee of first-team football. An initial fee of around £12million plus add-ons has been mooted.
Everton’s need for a centre-back has been heightened after opening-day injuries to Ben Godfrey and Yerry Mina. Godfrey has suffered a broken leg and Mina has an ankle issue.
Boss Frank Lampard is a big admirer of Coady - who was an unused substitute during Wolves’ 2-1 defeat at Leeds on Saturday - and it is hoped a deal can be pushed through before next weekend’s trip to Aston Villa.