Everton want £5m Tottenham defender to replace Stones

Everton are reportedly interested in signing £5m-rated Tottenham defender Federico Fazio to replace the want-away John Stones.

The England international handed in a transfer request on Tuesday, and a move to Chelsea looks set to be completed before the transfer window closes on September 1.

Toffees manager Roberto Martinez has already identified a number of potential replacements and the former Sevilla man, who has failed to hold down a regular first-team spot at Spurs, is near the top of that list.

The Argentine centre-back, whose transfer to West Brom fell through last week, made 32 appearances in all competitions for Maurico Pochettino’s side last term, but has now been deemed surplus to requirements.