Everton are still looking to strengthen in the centre of midfield before the transfer window closes on Friday night, but their chances of doing so could be restricted to loan deals, according to Sky Sports.
The Toffees require another option at the heart of their side, due to the injuries sustained by Jean-Philippe Gbamin and Andre Gomes earlier in the campaign, but so far their search has been fruitless.
One of the reasons for that has been highlighted by the Everton director of football Marcel Brands, who has hinted that there is a lack of resources available, unless they can make room in the squad by getting one or two to leave the club.
The two men who would be most vulnerable to leaving the Toffees are Cuco Martina and Oumar Niasse, but with few suitors for their services, shifting them on is proving more difficult than required.
Everton are interested in bringing Gremio midfielder Everton Soares to Goodison Park, but unless they can shift their unwanted pair, they are likely to be restricted to a loan move, which may be difficult to agree.
The attack minded Brazil international is highly regarded back home, and was a member of the squad which won the Copa America last summer, with him ending the tournament as the top scorer.
He has made over 100 appearances for his club Gremio, so the 23-year-old would bring a lot of experience to the Toffees with him, should a deal be reached whereby he can join the Merseyside outfit.
With time running out before the window closes, those behind the scenes at Everton will be eager to make big strides in progressing with a move for the talented attacker, although it would appear that the knock on effect of struggling to reduce the wage bill could have the final say in them failing to get their man.
