According to the Mirror, Everton look set to miss out on transfer target Stefan De Vrij, with Manchester United now favourites to sign the defender.

The Dutch defender has been linked with a whole host of clubs this winter, as his contract is set to expire in the summer. Having had one of his best seasons in a Lazio shirt, De Vrij is keen on a move to the Premier League, most notably Manchester United.

Everton were linked with the defender last summer and in January, but may need to look elsewhere for defensive reinforcements if it turns into a bidding war over his wages. The Toffees signed Michael Keane in the summer before adding Eliaquim Mangala in the winter window, neither of which have hit the ground running.

With some shambolic defensive displays away from home this season, it is essential that Allardyce adds to his defensive ranks this summer.

Here are three players they could target...

Kostas Manolas, Roma

Manolas could prove to be out of Everton’s price range, but given what they spent last summer it’s hardly absurd to think they might spend big at the back again. The Greek defender has enjoyed a good season for Roma, boasting more tackles and blocks per game than De Vrij.

Manolas is not the ball playing defender De Vrij is, but he would certainly be an upgrade on the current ranks at Goodison. Manolas would become totally unrealistic if Roma made the Champions League, but with Lazio and Inter both within two points of the Giallorossi that’s far from a given.

Alfie Mawson, Swansea

Some fans may frown upon looking to teams below them for the solution to their defensive woes, but Mawson has had an exceptional season.

The English defender is enjoying a breakthrough year and is actually averaging more completed dribbles and passes per game than De Vrij. Besides his impressive ball playing ability, Mawson boasts a bravery that has often been lacking in the Everton back line and Premier League experience to go with it.

The 24-year-old has also grabbed three goals this season, so is a threat at set pieces. If Swansea get relegated, Mawson could be available for a cut-price deal.

Benedikt Höwedes, Juventus (On loan from Schalke)

Höwedes would be a risky signing given his injury issues, having missed most of this season with muscle problems. However, if the Toffees could get him for a good price and keep him fit he could be the bargain of the summer.

He reads the game tremendously well and rarely loses concentration, so could bring the cool, experienced head to Goodison that they have lacked for so long.

He’s good with the ball at his feet and should be available for a decent price thanks to his injury history, so it really depends on how much of a gambler Big Sam is.