Everton reportedly battling West Ham for Ligue 1 midfielder - with out-of-favour defender linked the other way

Everton have been linked with Monaco midfielder Alexander Golovin.

And Toffees defender Mason Holgate is reportedly a target for the Ligue 1 outfit during the January transfer window.

Who is Alexander Golovin?

Golovin, 25, was born in Russia and came through the ranks at CSKA Moscow.

In total, scored 13 goals in 113 appearances between 2014-2018. The highlight was helping CSKA to the Russian Premier League title in the 2015-16 season.

Golovin was then snapped up by Monaco for a fee of around €25 million.

At Stade Louis II, he's bagged 16 goals in 106 games. He was a key player as Monaco reached the French Cup final last term, as well as finishing third in the table.

Golovin is also a regular for Russia, having been capped 45 times.

What's been said?

According to Russian media outlet Championat, Everton are eyeing a move for Golovin.

It is claimed that the Blues are ‘looking closely’ at the creative midfielder.

What's more, Golovin is said to ‘really like’ Goodison Park manager Rafa Benitez.

Premier League rivals West Ham are also interested in a swoop, though.

Golovin is under contract at Monaco until the summer of 2024 and is reportedly valued between €40-50 million.

What about Mason Holgate?

Sticking with Monaco, Holgate is said to be a target for them.

Football Insider reports that the 2004 Champins League finalists and fellow Ligue 1 club Nice are battling for the centre-back - along with an unnamed Premier League side.

Holgate has been down the pecking order at Everton when all centre-backs have been fit this season.

He has made 10 appearances in all competitions, with Yerry Mina, Ben Godfrey and Michael Keane all preferred if available for selection.

Holgate has three-and-a-half years remaining on his Goodison contract.

However, Benitez could look to offload the former Barnsley defender to free up funds that he could reinvest.

Newcastle United and Burnley have both been linked.