Watford are ready to ask Everton for a player on loan as part of the deal to bring Abdoulaye Doucoure to Goodison.
The Blues are locked in talks with the Championship club who value the 27-year-old midfielder at £30m.
Everton, who have a long-term interest in the player and tried to sign him last summer, are unlikely to pay that high a fee and will continue to negotiate with Watford.
New Hornets boss Vladimir Ivic is resigned to losing Doucoure following the club's relegation but hopes to soften the blow of his departure by including a player moving to Vicarage Road on loan.
Premier League clubs can conduct transfer business with sides in the EFL up until October 16.
Everton have made the signing of midfield reinforcements their priority this summer and as well as Doucoure, manager Carlo Ancelotti hopes to be reunited with Napoli's Allan.
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis, this week, warned the Blues that the Brazilian midfielder would not be allowed to leave on the cheap, with the Italian side also said to want around £30m for the player.
