Sam Allardyce wants to make Watford captain Troy Deeney his first signing as Everton manager, reports ESPN.
Allardyce has engaged in a war of words with Watford head coach Marco Silva in recent days and now the Everton manager wants to land Deeney from the Hornets.
Deeney has endured a turbulent start to life under Silva this season and has only started four Premier League matches this season as a January move away beckons.
Everton have a long-term interest in the 29-year-old and have made signing a new striker a priority in January after failing to replace Romelu Lukaku in the summer.
Ronald Koeman blocked a move for the Watford captain in the summer but Allardyce has given the greenlight to renewing the club’s interest in the New Year.
In the last three Premier League campaigns, only Christian Benteke (530) has won more aerial duels than Deeney (459).