Everton looks set to be edging closer to signing Austrian forward Marko Arnautovic from Stoke City.

The 27-year-old has only a year left on his deal at the Britannia Stadium and he is understood to have a £12.5-million release clause in his contract.

New Everton manager Ronald Koeman is looking to bolster his forward options and Arnautovic, who has failed to agree to a new deal at Stoke, could be his first major signing since moving to Goodison Park from Southampton, according to SkySports.

The Potters  have already signed Egypt winger Ramadan Sobhi and Joe Allen’s arrival in a £13-million deal from Liverpool.