By Phil McNulty
Everton hope to complete a £5m deal for Costa Rica international Bryan Oviedo before Friday’s transfer deadline.
Manager David Moyes has watched the versatile FC Copenhagen player and Everton are now favourites to beat off competition from West Bromwich Albion.
The Danes are resigned to losing Oviedo, 22, after failing to qualify for the Champions League group stage.
Oviedo, who can play on the left side of defence and in midfield, is entering the final year of his contract.
He appeals to Moyes as he is trying to bring the age of his squad down and is hopeful of making Oviedo his fourth signing since the end of the last campaign.
Everton, who have opened the Premier League season with two wins, have already added Steven Pienaar, who is now in his second permanent spell at the club, Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas to their squad.
Copenhagen were beaten by French side Lille in the final Champions League qualifying round on Wednesday.
