Tottenham are reportedly preparing a move for £35m-ratedEverton and England midfielder Ross Barkley.
According tothe Evening Standard, Spurs have made an enquiry into the availability of the 23-year-old, who is out of contract at the end of next season.
Barkley has struggled to impress new Everton boss Ronald Koeman so far this campaign, although he put in a much improved showing in Tuesday night's 2-1 win over Arsenal.
The Toffees are expected to demand a minimum of £35m, if they are to allow the attacking midfielder to leave the club, but are unlikely to be willing to negotiate in January.
Asked whether Spurs will do business in the upcoming transfer window, manager Mauricio Pochettino said:It is a difficult question. All the clubs are working ” not only in England. In Europe, they have big networks to find the talent around the world. It is a very complex thing and it is not easy.
Then, when the top clubs have more power and can pay more money than you, it is not easy. You need to be creative, you need to find players who work well together but in the end, sometimes money can make the difference.�
Pochettino is reportedly keen to provide more support for striker Harry Kane, although their squad already contains the likes of Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen who play in similar positions to Barkley.
Barkley has made over 100 appearances for Everton, since he made his competitive debut at the age of 18 in 2011.