The video will start in 8 Cancel

Use your head and sign up now for the Everton FC newsletter Sign up now Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Everton are trying to hijack Crystal Palace's move for £.8.6m-rated Ajax defender Jaïro Riedewald.

Ronald Koeman wants the 20-year-old, who can operate at left back and on the left side of central defence, as cover for Leighton Baines and Ashley Williams.

The 6ft Netherlands international was heading to Selhurst Park for the opportunity to work with Frank de Boer, his former coach at Ajax.

But Everton have made a late bid to lure the Dutchman, who can also play as a defensive central midfielder, to Goodison Park.

The ECHO understands Koeman, who is currently travelling with the squad to Tanzania, has earmarked the highly-rated youngster as an important squad player who could play a key part in his Europa League selections.

Riedewald received his first call up to the senior Dutch team in August 2015. He has three caps.

(Image: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

The Ajax academy product – who has made 63 appearances for the senior side, scoring twice - is represented by influential Dutch agency SEG.

Meanwhile the Blues also want Vitesse goalkeeper Eloy Room to replace Joel Robles as back-up to £28m summer recruit Jordan Pickford.

Room, 28, is an experienced shot-stopper who would also be likely to feature in the Blues Europa League squad.

It is believed he has a £1.5m release clause with the Eredivisie club but a deal won't be possible until Robles has moved on.

The Spaniard was stripped of the number one shirt when today's squad numbers for 2017/18 were announced and given 33.

He is keen to pursue first team football elsewhere.