Everton are keeping tabs on Derby County midfielder George Thorne, according to the Mirror.
Fellow Premier League clubs, Norwich City, Crystal Palace and Newcastle United are also interested in the 22-year-old.
Roberto Martinez could see him as a replacement for ageing Gareth Barry, now 34, although he may prefer a move to Newcastle where he’d once again link up with his former boss Steve McClaren.
Thorne joined the Rams from West Brom on loan in January 2014, before signing permanently for Steve McClaren in the summer on a four-year-deal for a fee in the region of £2.5million.
The midfielder has struggled with injuries in the past and his development has been hampered as a result, he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury in a friendly match shortly after signing for Derby and was ruled out for nine months.
But it seems Thorne is putting his injury misery behind him as he has already appeared 20 times this season, which is on par with his highest in a whole league season – 2013/14 with Derby.
His performances have improved with him gaining plaudits and Premier League football is a real possibility come January.
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