New Everton manager Roberto Martinez reportedly wants to make Gabon international defender Bruno Ecuele Manga his first summer signing at Goodison Park.
Manga has built a reputation as a powerful, confident defender in three seasons with French side Lorient.
Martinez is a long-term admirer and thinks that the 24-year-old can ease the workload of experienced central defender Sylvain Distin next season in a £4.5m deal, according to The Sun.
The Toffees reportedly face stiff competition for the player Lorient signed to replace Laurent Koscielny in 2010, with Liverpool and Marseille both thought to be tracking his progress.
Manga has welcomed speculation over a move to the Premier League, but insisted that he is yet to discuss his long-term future with Lorient at this stage.
He told RMC: "At the moment I do not think too much about football with the season already finished.
"The club will sit down to discuss my future. It is always a pleasure to know that you are being courted."
Martinez has also been linked with a move for Wigan Athletic defender Antolin Alcaraz in recent weeks, with the Paraguay international available on a free transfer.
Liam Power
