Everton have allegedly emerged as the frontrunners to sign Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho.

Blues boss Sam Allardyce reportedly sent scouts to watch the Portugal international play in the goalless draw against city rivals Benfica last weekend.

According to The Sun, the Merseyside outfit are now the favourites to land Carvalho, who has previously been linked with West Ham United and Inter Milan.

Sporting are expected to demand around £26m for Carvalho, who usually plays in a defensive midfield position.

West Ham came close to signing the Portuguese last year, only for the move to collapse and spark a bitter war of words between the two clubs.