Everton outbid Barcelona for John Stones replacement

Reports in the Spanish media claim that Everton have made a 7million Euros bid for Las Palmas defender Mauricio Lemos.

The 20-year-old Uruguayan has impressed in La Liga this season, prompting Las Palmas to turn his loan from Rubin Kazan into a permanent deal.

However, such is the young defender's performances this campaign Las Palmas face a battle to keep hold of him beyond this summer.

Sport.es claims a number of English clubs are interested in in the Uruguay U23 international but Everton are the only side to make a bid so far. That offer is likely to be rejected but the report claims a bid in the region of 9million Euros may be enough to seal the deal.

Everton reportedly see Lemos as a replacement for John Stones, who has also been linked with a move away from Goodison Park this summer.

A separate report in the Mirror claims Barcelona have had a bid already rejected by Las Palmas for Lemos. It says Barca see the 20-year-old as a potential replacement for Marc Bartra, who is expected to leave the Nou Camp this summer.

Everton would obviously lose out in any head-to-head battle with Barcelona for Lemos' signature, even I admit the lure of the Catalan club may just shade the Toffees.

However, the promise of regular first-team football and the money on offer in the Premier League may be a decisive factor.

A lot may also depend on who is appointed as successor to Roberto Martinez and his rebuilding plans this summer.