Everton could turn their attention to Jimmy Bullard, but the Merseysiders are not the only club to have been linked with the Fulham midfielder as Bolton Wanderers boss Gary Megson has now admitted interest.

The Toffees are desperately trying to strengthen but have faced a frustrating time in the summer transfer market so far as their targets have proved elusive. Manuel Fernandes wants to stay on at Valencia, while Rennes do not want to sell Stephane M’bia, Juventus want to let Tiago go but the Portuguese has rejected the Premiership side, while Sporting are determined to hold on to Joao moutinho.

As such, David Moyes could see the 29-year-old former Wigan man, who is not being offered a new deal by the West-London club, as the alternative, but Megson has also confirmed Trotters’ interest in the Englishman. However, any further development in the chase depends on whether the Cottagers want to sell him.

"We've been linked with quite a few but we have shown an interest (in Bullard), indeed in quite a few other players," said Megson.

"Whether he's actually for sale I'm not so sure, so that's not the only iron we've got in the fire."

Everton had recently sold striker Andy Johnson to the Craven Cottage side after a protracted transfer saga.