Everton close in on forward Shani Tarashaj

Everton are closing in on a deal for Grasshopper forward Shani Tarashaj, according to the Guardian.

The Blues have offered the Switzerland U-21 international a four-and-a-half-year deal and are hoping to conclude the deal once the transfer window opens.

His advisors have been in Liverpool over the last few days and were present for the recent 4-3 loss to Stoke City and Goodison Park.

It seems he will not be joining until the summer though, with his current club, Grasshopper Club Zurich, determined for him to return to the club on loan for the remainder of the season.

The 20-year-old can plays as a second striker or an attacking midfielder, and has been in decent form for the Swiss club this season, with eight goals in 18 games so far.

He has also impressed on the international stage, with him bagging a goal in his country's U21 loss to England last month.

Roberto Martinez is thought to be eyeing him as a long-term replacement for Steven Naismith, with the Scottish forward looking likely to join Norwich in January after finding game time hard to come by so far this season.