Everton have been keeping tabs on Hoffenheim centre-back Niklas Sule, reports the Sunday Mirror.
The 21-year-old defender has been attracting interest from Premier League pair Liverpool and Tottenham this season, but Everton could rival the duo in the race to sign Sule.
The German has started nine of 11 Bundesliga games for Hoffenheim this season, with the league’s surprise package one of two unbeaten teams in Germany’s top tier this term.
Teammate Sebastian Rudy is also being monitored by the Toffees, with manager Ronald Koeman keen to improve his options in midfield in January.
The 26-year-old is in the final year of of his contract having joined from VfB Stuttgart in 2010 and has shown no signs that he is willing to extend his stay at the club.
Hoffenheim must now decide whether to cash in on Rudy in January or allow him to leave for free at the end of the season.
A number of teams in Italy are thought to be interested in the Germany international, but Everton are believed to be leading the race to secure his services.
For more stats on Niklas Sule, click here to view his WhoScored player page
