EVERTON have emerged as surprise contenders to land Manchester United midfielder Michael Carrick.
Carrick's contract runs out at the end of the season and he's yet to agree on an extension with the Reds.
The midfield metronome has already been linked with Arsenal and West Ham and reports now claim Carrick could make a move to Merseyside.
The Mirror reports that Roberto Martinez is confident that the deal can be done, with the 34-year-old being used as a rotation option with Gareth Barry, 35.
The uncertainty over Carrick's future has partially been fuelled by Manchester United's management situation.
With Jose Mourinho tipped to replace Louis van Gaal in the summer, the club may be unwilling to offer Carrick a new contract until they are certain who will be in charge next season.
Speaking on his contract situation, Carrick said: "My contract is up and I'm not sure what's happening yet.
Carrick joined United in 2006 from Tottenham in a deal rumoured to be around £20m.
He's gone on to make 284 appearances for the club, winning the Premier League, the League Cup and the Champions League in that time.