Everton have opened talks with free agent Tom Cleverley, if reports in the Liverpool Echo are to be believed.
The 25-year-old former Manchester United midfielder is out-of-contract this summer and looks certain to move on, with the Blues among the favourites for his signature.
The in-demand free agent is also wanted by Aston Villa- with whom he spent last season on loan- and Arsenal, as well as numerous Bundesliga clubs, but Everton are rumoured to be in pole position in light of the previous relationship between manager and player.
It has widely been reported that Cleverley is Everton’s number one transfer target in central midfield, with manager Roberto Martinez keen to work again with the player he managed at Wigan.
The Catalan is a big fan of the England international and spoke in glowing terms of the Basingstoke-born player’s technical ability.
“There are only a few players in this country who have had the sort of education where they look as if they could have been brought up in Holland, Spain or France.
“Tom is one of them.
A decision on Cleverley’s future is expected within the fortnight.
