Everton are attempting to gazump Arsenal in the battle to sign England's Ben White from Brighton, with Rafael Benitez making his presence felt quickly following his appointment as manager on Tuesday.
Sportsmail has learned that Everton have held talks with Brighton over a £50million transfer for the defender, who is with the England Euros squad, with £5m available to the south coast club in add-ons, a package that trumps the one offered by Arsenal last week.
Brighton have already rejected two offers from Arsenal, with their highest bid of £42m plus £4m in add-ons being turned down last Friday, and are holding out for £50m plus.