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Everton have targeted Udinese centre-back Thomas Heurtaux according to Gazzetta Dello Sport.

Roberto Martinez is seeking cover in the position after releasing both Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz.

So far this summer he has missed out on Angelo Ogbonna who chose to join West Ham United from Juventus and Scott Dann who signed a new contract at Crystal Palace.

Heurtaux, 27, is rated at £6million and has made 87 appearances for the Italian club over the past three seasons.

The Express say another reputed Everton defensive target Sam Byram will not be sold according to Leeds United manager Uwe Rosler.

The Blues have been tracking the 21-year-old with Arsenal, Swansea City and neighbours Liverpool also in the hunt but the Elland Road boss insists the £8million-rated prospect is staying put.

He said: “I’ve heard a lot of talk about Sam Byram but we’ve only received one enquiry, we haven’t even had an official bid.

“Mr Cellino [the club’s owner] has told me we don’t need to sell. There are no plans whatsoever to sell one of our young talented players.”

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Meanwhile, fresh from Chelsea upsetting Everton manager Roberto Martinez with their very public pursuit of John Stones, it would appear that their players are now trying to tap up John Stones.

Speaking in the Express, Gary Cahill has said of Stones: “From what I have seen when I have been away with him for England, he is a genuinely nice guy, a down to earth lad. There is nothing ‘big-time’ about him. So for me, I’m sure he will be able to cope with the fee.

“Plus, with the right support around him, like from the more experienced players in the squad, and his family, I’m sure he’ll be fine.

“Are Chelsea a hard club to turn down? Yes of course. In terms of ambition, if you’re a young player in the game, have played in the Premier League like he did a lot last year, and a big club come calling, it’s very difficult to turn down because you want to achieve the most you can in the short period you have in your career as a professional footballer.

“When a top club comes calling, who you know will be firing on all fronts with competitions and medals, that’s ultimately what you want to be playing for. It’s hard to turn down of course.

“He will look at the club, look at the players, and look at being involved in a squad like ours.

When Chelsea came calling for me, it was an opportunity, it was a chance and looking from the outset you may not be sure how it’s going to go.

“But it’s one you can’t turn down, you have to grab it with both hands. Then you have to work as hard as you can to make it work.”

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