Everton will have to fork out £8.7 million to sign Emiliano Martinez this summer.
That’s according to Tipsbladet, who have reported that FC Midtjylland are desperate to keep hold of the midfielder but could be tempted by an offer of around 75 million DKK (£8.7m).
Martinez moved to Denmark from Brazil on a season-long loan last summer before joining permanently on a free transfer only nine months ago.
The 23-year-old made 25 appearances in the Superliga last season and has since attracted plenty of interest, with the report claiming Everton have been joined by West Ham and Luton Town in their pursuit.
There has been no bids made for Martinez as of yet and FC Midtjylland are currently planning on keeping their star man as they look to enjoy success in the Europa Conference League this season.
However, the Danish club could demand at least the same fee that saw Raphael Onyedika leave for Club Brugge last year – who was valued at just short of £9m.
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FC Midtyjlland are already said to have lined up possible replacements if Martinez is to leave the club this summer and could ‘feel compelled to say yes’ if a Premier League team comes in with a lucrative offer at the end of the transfer window.
Everton need to offload players before they can look at Emiliano Martinez
While Amadou Onana looks increasingly likely to stay at Everton and Dele Alli is making a dramatic comeback, the Toffees still need to add some more defensively minded and strong players to their midfield.
With Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye both in their 30s, the club could benefit from a younger midfield to have an impact on the squad in the coming years.
However, Everton are likely to need to sell before they can even consider splashing £8.7m on the Uruguayan.
The Merseyside outfit are already looking to spend around £15m on Youssef Chermiti and could further spend big on their attack, leaving their midfield less of a priority.
Everton could move on the likes of Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Andre Gomes and Mason Holgate to fund a potential move.