Everton are closing in on a vital addition this week and it is one that appears to be a major upgrade to a key area...

What's the word?

According to The Athletic, the Toffees are set to clinch Chelsea centre-back Fikayo Tomori on a season-long loan, a player who has been on their radar for the past season.

It's claimed that he was set for a similar move this time last year before David Luiz made the switch across London to Arsenal, thus scuppering the deal.

The 22-year-old has now fallen down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge following the arrival of Thiago Silva and injuries had limited his game time last season.

Talks are reportedly progressing and the temporary swap could be announced in the coming days.

Central upgrade

At first glance, it isn't particularly a position that Everton desperately needs but it must mean Mason Holgate's preseason injury is worse than first feared.

Tomori also comes in with experience at both the top-flight and internationally, which would allow less of a burden on young emerging talent Jarrad Branthwaite.

The 6 foot 1 colossus actually performed better than the likes of Yerry Mina and Michael Keane last term too - he averaged more tackles (1.9) and interceptions (1.5) per game as well as a higher passing accuracy rate (87.4%). He also committed fewer fouls (0.5) per match too, via WhoScored.

His performances over the past year or two, including that loan spell at Derby County, have resulted in high praise indeed. Frank Lampard believes his centre-back is a "great talent" who's "outstanding" whilst Shaun Goater told FootballFanCast that he could easily become a "£100m player" one day.

No one at Goodison Park should turn their nose up at this move, he could be as big of a success in Merseyside as fan-favourite loanee Kurt Zouma.

AND in other news, David Prentice believes double swoop will aid one divisive Toffees star...