Everton have moved ahead of Arsenal in the race to sign Basel defender Aleksandar Dragovic
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger had stepped up his interest in the 22-year-old after he impressed in Basel’s two-legged win over Spurs in the Europa League quarter-finals.
But it it understood the Austrian is prepared to snub a move to Arsenal and German side Borussia Dortmund and link up with David Moyes at Everton according to TalkSport
David Moyes is looking to add defensive options to his squad, with skipper Phil Neville leaving this summer and question marks over the future of Johnny Heitinga.
The Toffees could land Dragovic, an Austria international who joined Basel from Austria Vienna back in 2011, for as little as £4million.
Dragovic recently admitted to Austrian newspaper Kurien that there are clubs who are interested in him and he might have to consider several offers in the summer.
“On the names of the clubs there is some truth. With the exception of Barcelona,” Dragovic confessed.
“There are seven teams interested, two of which are from Russia. They would be very financially lucrative, but I am not looking for the most money.
“My contract runs until 2015, so if a club wants me, they’ll have to put a bit of money on the table.
“Also I feel very comfortable here and in 18 months here I have developed twice as much as I could have done in Austria.
The defender is insistent that he will only join a top club as with Basel winning the Swiss Super League this year, he is guaranteed participation in the Champions League in the coming season with the club.
“The club must at least be represented in the Europa League. For with Basel I have the chance to play in the Champions League,” he said.
Dragovic has made 35 appearances for the club so far this season and has 14 international caps for Austria.