Conor Gallagher could yet leave Chelsea before Tuesday night’s transfer deadline after Everton expressed interest in his services.
The England midfielder had looked set to remain at Stamford Bridge and fight for his place under Graham Potter, but an exit is now thought possible on a permanent or loan deal.
A departure for Gallagher is more likely at this stage if Chelsea can successfully pull off a late blockbuster move for Argentina’s World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez.
Crystal Palace remain interested in a return for the 22-year-old after he starred on a season-long loan at Selhurst Park last term, while high-flying Newcastle are also interested after agreeing to sell Jonjo Shelvey to Nottingham Forest.
But Everton have now emerged as the front-runners after appointing Sean Dyche as their managerial replacement for Frank Lampard on a two-and-a-half year contract on Monday, willing to offer £45million using the money earned from the recent sale of winger Anthony Gordon to Newcastle.
It remains to be seen if they can convince Gallagher to move, with the midfielder having played well under Potter of late and not pushing to leave the club.
Chelsea are not actively looking to sell Gallagher but it is understood they would be willing to accept those terms presented by Everton.
Chelsea have re-entered talks with Benfica over Fernandez, dispatching a transfer delegation to Lisbon and making a British record offer worth £105m on Monday afternoon.
The Blues have made the player their sole focus before the window shuts at 11pm GMT on Tuesday, having cooled their interest in Brighton’s Moises Caicedo - still a major target for Arsenal - and Everton midfielder Amadou Onana.
