Everton have sounded out Newcastle United attacker Alan Smith about a January move.
The Evening Chronicle says Everton are one of several teams to make initial enquiries over the past couple of weeks.
A formal move would have to wait until January, but there is growing interest in a player who has revitalised his career after a rocky start at St James’s Park.
A source close to Smith said: “There is interest in Alan and his form has been noticed by a few clubs, but he wants to stay at Newcastle and get them promoted.
“He has always felt that he doesn’t want to leave and that hasn’t changed.”