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Everton are "closing in" on a deal to sign teenager Niels Nkounkou from French side Marseilles, according to The Times and The Daily Star.

The 19-year-old, who has rejected a professional contract at Marseille, is also said to be attracting interest from Juventus, RB Leipzig and Newcastle United but the two papers understand the France Under-19 international is set to agree terms on a move to Goodison Park.

Elsewhere, the Liverpool Echo says Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti is hopeful forward Richarlison will be fit for Monday's trip to Tottenham Hotspur.

Richarlison limped off during Wednesday's 2-1 home win over Leicester City. However, asked about the Brazilian after the game, Ancelotti confirmed he was not concerned by the injury. "It was only a knock on his ankle - he will not have a problem recovering," said the Italian.

In the same paper, five Everton players receive a mark of 8 out of 10 for their performances against the Foxes. Goals from Richarlison and Gylfi Sigurdsson kept the Blues firmly in the hunt for European qualification but teammates Seamus Coleman, Michael Keane, Mason Holgate, Lucas Digne and Anthony Gordon - who set up Richarlison's opener - take the plaudits of the Echo writers for their contributions.

After handing Gordon his second start in three games since football's resumption, Ancelotti also tells the Echo he has never had doubts about the 19-year-old handling the step up to first-team level.

"It is important for him to show quality and above all to be confident to play," said Ancelotti.

"Usually when a young player comes in they are a bit worried.

“But Anthony has personality and did well in these two games."

Oumar Niasse's heartfelt thank you message following his departure from Everton earlier this week is covered by the Echo.

The striker, whose Blues contract expired on 30 June, thanked former boss Roberto Martinez and the Everton Board for giving him the opportunity to play in the Premier League and also confirmed he will be donating part of his final week’s wages to the St Andrew's Community Network, who operate the North Liverpool Foodbank.

Finally, Evertonian jockey Martin Dwyer tells the Daily Mail how being congratulated by the official Everton Twitter account after his recent Royal Ascot win was "better than getting a message from the Queen."

The 45-year-old also says he hopes to give fellow Blues a boost by riding Pyledriver to success in Saturday's Investec Derby at Epsom.