Everton are on the verge of signing Sporting Lisbon starlet Eric Dier.

The highly rated 17-year-old is an Englishman who has spent his entire footballing development in Portugal, and has developed a burgeoning reputation as one of the top English prospects of recent years.

Featured in a high profile Umbro campaign for the "Next Generation" of England stars last year, Dier was expected to stay in Portugal and continue his footballing education before securing a move to a high-profile club in the future.

However, David Moyes has apparently acted quickly and looks to secure the youngster on a long-term deal in the hope he fulfils his potential at Goodison Park.

Dier is a boyhood Manchester United fan and made his unlikely switch to the Sporting Lisbon youth academy after his family moved to Portugal as a child.