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The Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano claims Everton “are planning to sign a centre-back in the summer”.

High on the target list, according to Romano, is Ronald Araujo, Barcelona’s Uruguay international defender.

Barcelona, however, “do not want to sell” the 22-year-old, according to Romano, who adds that no talks have taken place with Juventus over centre-half Merih Demiral and Everton are looking elsewhere for a right-back as competition grows for Max Aarons of Norwich City.

Mundo Deportivo in Spain supports Romano’s assertion over Everton interest in Araujo but warns it will take an “exorbitant” offer to prise the South American from the Nou Camp.

The Athletic states Everton will prioritise a right-winger in the summer market.

Leon Bailey from Bayer Leverkusen and Villarreal’s Samuel Chukwueze are both mentioned as viable options by the website, which looks extensively into how Everton’s transfer window could unfold.

The Liverpool Echo, meanwhile, reckons Everton have offered Under-23 defender Joe Anderson a one-year contract.

Anderson’s current deal expires at the end of this campaign and it is said a number of Football League clubs are interested in acquiring the 20-year-old centre-half.

The Echo additionally reports that former Charlton Athletic and West Bromwich Albion forward Jerome Thomas has been appointed to a scouting role at Everton.

Thomas, 38, will take up the position of Academy Area Coordinator for London and monitor talent from under-13 to under-18, says the Echo.