According to Calciomercato, Everton have stepped up their pursuit of Sevilla midfielder Steven N'Zonzi as the transfer window heads for its final stages.

What's the story?

Everton have finally got themselves moving in the summer transfer market, but it is understood that more business will be completed before the August 9 deadline.

Head coach Marco Silva is looking to put together a squad capable of challenging for a top-six spot in the Premier League next season, and it is thought that the former Watford manager wants to play a 4-3-3 formation.

Such a system would require two holding midfielders, and according to Calciomercato, Silva views N'Zonzi as the perfect acquisition in this summer's window.

Arsenal are also believed to be in the hunt for the France international, however, which means that the Toffees will have a real fight on their hands to secure a deal.

The Merseyside outfit would have no problem paying his wages though, and seemingly fancy their chances of securing his signature before next week's deadline.

Would N'Zonzi be a good signing?

To be blunt, yes. The 6ft 6in powerhouse has made close to 150 appearances for Sevilla over the last three seasons, and was a part of the France team that won the 2018 World Cup in Russia earlier this summer.

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N'Zonzi knows what the Premier League is all about having played at Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City, and it would be fair to say that he has gone up a few notches as a player during his time at Sevilla.

An imposing figure who uses the ball well under pressure, N'Zonzi would be a truly outstanding signing for Everton if the club's director of football Marcel Brands can pull it off.

As mentioned above, Silva is looking for a defensive midfielder to play in his 4-3-3 system next term, and N'Zonzi ticks all of the boxes.

Everton might well have to shell out in excess of £30m to sign the Frenchman this summer, but he would dominate plenty of games for the Merseyside giants next term.