Everton manager David Moyes is interested in signing Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt.
The England international has requested a transfer after failing to hold down a regular first-team place at Old Trafford.
Middlesbrough, Tottenham, Newcastle and Birmingham have all been linked with the player, who is available for around £5 million sterling.
Moyes told Sky Sports News: "Yes we have made an enquiry for Nicky Butt. But whether that happens, particularly in the transfer window, I would be a little bit surprised.
"Everybody knows I am always looking out for good players and hopefully Nicky Butt would be interested in coming to Everton."
The Football Association are awaiting referees' reports following incidents involving Chelsea's Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink and Manchester City's Claudio Reyna over the weekend.
Replays appeared to show Chelsea striker Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink elbowing Scarborough's Mark Hotte during Saturday's FA Cup while Tottenham's Michael Brown has accused City midfielder Reyna of elbowing during yesterday's 1-1 draw.