Everton are thought to be close to signing Porto's Brazilian midfielder Fernando.

They are said to be closing in on a £15 million deal.

The move could indicate that Marouane Fellaini may be departing, which would pour cold water on the Toffees interest in Ireland's James McCarthy.

Fernando, a 27-year-old defensive midfielder, has been at Porto since 2007 and has become a key presence in the heart of the engine room over the past few seasons. However he has not been capped by Brazil.  

Elsewhere, Stoke City are in talks with Aston Villa about bringing former Irish internatational Stephen Ireland to the Britannia on loan.

The midfielder is now in Stoke to undergo a medical and will be hopeful of linking up with his former Manchester City manager Mark Hughes.