Everton are believed to be one of a number of clubs looking at Nice midfielder Jean-Michael Seri, but the Toffees should instead attempt an audacious bid to sign Real Madrid's Mateo Kovacic in this summer's transfer window.

What's the story?

According to Sky Sports News, Everton were one of a number of clubs looking at Seri earlier this year.

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The midfielder looks certain to move on this summer having not travelled with the Nice squad for their pre-season training camp.

Barcelona were said to be on the verge of signing the Ivory Coast international last summer, but a move fell through at the final moment, and West Ham United and Chelsea have since been credited with an interest.

West Ham are said to be in a strong position, but Everton would fancy their chances of signing Seri if they made a strong push for the 26-year-old's signature.

There is another available midfielder that Everton should be looking at this summer, however, with Real Madrid's Mateo Kovacic very much on the market.

Could Everton really sign Kovacic?

Kovacic will not make a decision on his Real Madrid future until after the 2018 World Cup, but the Croatia midfielder recently hinted that he would look to move on this summer.

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The 24-year-old has made over 100 appearances for Los Blancos since a 2015 move from Inter Milan, but he only started 10 La Liga fixtures last term.

Kovacic might well feel that he wants to join another Champions League club this summer, but Everton would be able to offer the midfielder a healthy wage packet, in addition to the challenge of helping the Toffees break into the top six in the Premier League.

Kovacic's mind will first be on helping Croatia overcome England in the semi-finals of this summer's World Cup, but there is no question that Everton should make an ambitious move to land the all-action, classy midfielder ahead of the 2018-19 campaign.