Journalist Pete O'Rourke says that Everton are 'plotting' a move for West Ham United defender Ben Johnson.

The Lowdown: Gordon money to spend...

Everton now have money to spend after selling Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United for a reported £40m, potentially rising to £45m.

However, the Toffees have reportedly offered the same amount to Chelsea to try and sign midfielder Conor Gallagher, so it will be interesting to see how much money they have left in the bank to potentially spend on other signings.

The Latest: Johnson move plotted

Taking to Twitter, O'Rourke says that Everton are also 'plotting' a move for Johnson before the transfer window closes tomorrow night.

He tweeted: "Understand Everton are plotting a move to sign West Ham defender Ben Johnson before the close of the transfer window."

Expanding in his corresponding article for Football Insider, O'Rourke adds that new Toffees manager Sean Dyche has already 'sanctioned' the move and is a 'big admirer' of Johnson's versatility and Premier League calibre.

The Verdict: Smart target

Everton need to strengthen in a number of key areas before the transfer deadline, including in attack after the departure of Gordon, but full-back is another area which needs cover.

Johnson is equally as comfortable playing at right-back as at left-back, and Ruben Vinagre is only on loan from Sporting Lisbon, so the Toffees will need long-term competition for Vitaliy Mykolenko on the left flank.

At right-back, Seamus Coleman is not getting any younger at 34, while Nathan Patterson has struggled with injuries ever since making his move from Rangers.

Nonetheless, considering Johnson's Premier League experience, this would be a smart move for the Toffees, should they be able to get him signed before the deadline.