According to reports in The Sun, Everton are eyeing a summer move for £7.5m-rated Saint-Etienne centre-back Leo Lacroix, who is currently on loan at Basel, as Sam Allardyce looks to solve his side's defensive woes.
What's the word, then?
Well, The Sun says scouts from the Merseyside outfit watched the 26-year-old in action in Basel's impressive 2-1 win against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium last week, although they went out 5-2 on aggregate.
The Sun says that Allardyce, who continues to be criticised by Everton supporters, has struggled with his central defensive options this season with the likes of Ashley Williams, Phil Jagielka and Michael Keane underperforming, while Ramiro Funes Mori has only just returned following a long-term injury.
The report adds that while Basel have an option to buy the Switzerland international from the Ligue 1 outfit, Everton and Premier League rivals Brighton and Hove Albion are ready to hijack any deal.
How has Lacroix done this season?
He has done ok.
The 6ft 6in centre-back struggled for game at Saint-Etienne in the first-half of the campaign after making just 13 appearances in all competitions and after being sent off in the 5-0 defeat against Lyon, with Basel bringing him in as a replacement for Manuel Akanji in the New Year.
The 26-year-old has since appeared six times for the Swiss outfit – including twice in the Champions League – also playing as a sweeper on one occasion.
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Lacroix is known for being strong in the air as well as having good concentration at the back, according to WhoScored.com, which are two attributes that would be useful to improve the Everton backline.
Would he be a good signing for Everton?
It's difficult to say.
While the 26-year-old dominated and largely kept the likes of Gabriel Jesus, Bernardo Silva and Leroy Sane at bay against City last week, the fact that he wasn't a regular for a Saint-Etienne team that currently lie 11th in the Ligue 1 standings would surely be a worry.
The Merseyside outfit need a strong centre-back that will improve on what they already have and be an undoubted first-choice, and it is difficult to guarantee that Lacroix is the defender.
Perhaps if Everton are looking to buy two centre-backs this summer he would be a good option – especially at £7.5m – but if not they should steer clear.