According to reports on ESPN FC, Everton are tracking highly-rated Norwich City midfielder James Maddison.

What's the word, then?

Well, ESPN FC say that sources close to the Canaries have told them that the Toffees are keen on the impressive 20-year-old, with Everton director of football Steve Walsh scouting Maddison in Norwich's 2-1 defeat against Bolton Wanderers at the Macron Stadium on Saturday.

However, ESPN FC says that the Championship outfit are determined to hold on to the former Coventry City man, who is under contract until 2021 having moved to Carrow Road in 2016.

How good has Maddison been this season?

He has been brilliant.

The 20-year-old has scored three goals and provided two assists in 14 Championship appearances this term, while he has also netted once and registered three assists in three Carabao Cup outings.

He won the Championship Goal of the Month award for September following his brilliant strike against Middlesbrough, while he has also been nominated for the division's Player of the Month award in September and October.

The playmaker's fine run of form was also rewarded with his first call-up to the England U21 squad for their upcoming friendly against Ukraine.

Would he be a good signing for Everton?

As one for the future he certainly would be, but seeing as though he usually plays in the number 10 role it seems unlikely that he will break into the team past the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Wayne Rooney and Davy Klaassen if he did sign for the Toffees.

The 20-year-old has shown the potential he has in the Championship this season by creating 31 chances in 14 league games, while he has an average pass accuracy of 89%.

Maddison has also been fouled on 52 occasions and has shown his ability to beat his opponents by successfully completing 21 of the 33 take-ons he has attempted.

What's the verdict, then?

Well, while Everton are keen on the 20-year-old the wealth of options they already have in the central attacking midfield positions would suggest that not only do they not need him right now, but also that he wouldn't get much of an opportunity.

If a deal could be done that would see him loaned out or even back to Norwich then that could work, but the player may decide that he needs to continue his development and continue to play regularly in the Championship before making that step up.

https://video.footballfancast.com/video-2015/everton-signings.mp4