Everton are keen on a move for Tottenham Hotspur defender Cameron Carter-Vickers, according to journalist Larry Henry Jr. 

The lowdown

The 24-year-old has now reached the end of his season-long loan at Scottish Premiership champions Celtic. The centre-back would like to remain at Parkhead and has reportedly agreed personal terms with the Hoops.

Celtic can activate an option to purchase the defender outright for £6m, potentially rising to £10m with add-ons. That could make it the most expensive transfer in the Glasgow club's history, so you can understand why they might be hesitant to let him slip through the net.

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The latest

Henry Jr explained on Twitter that Everton 'are in the race' for Carter-Vickers, as are newly-promoted Fulham, as confirmed by 'a source close to the player'.

If Celtic fail to reach an agreement with Spurs before 12 June, the duo could then look to pounce.

Carter-Vickers is joining up with the United States national team ahead of their friendlies against Morocco and Uruguay on 2 June and 5 June respectively.

The verdict

Defensive reinforcements are sorely needed at Goodison Park this summer. Everton conceded 66 league goals over the course of the season, and at one point, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher slammed their depleted back four as 'Championship' standard.

Injuries to Yerry Mina (who missed 25 games) and Ben Godfrey (sidelined for 14) certainly didn't help matters, but they can't bank on those players being fit and healthy throughout next season.

Carter-Vickers, who has been described as 'immense' by pundit Chris Sutton, isn't the only centre-half with whom they are currently linked - the Blues have reportedly offered James Tarkowski £120,000 per week to join as a free agent.

It's good to see that Kevin Thelwell and co are quickly getting to work with a view to next season, with the American looking like a solid Plan B in case things don't work out with Tarkowski.

In other news, Everton are also keen on signing this defender