Everton join the race for Cardiff defender Steven Caulker

It has emerged today that Everton are the latest club to show signs of interest in Cardiff City defender Steven Caulker according to the Daily Mail.

Everton are the latest club to show interest in Cardiff City defender Steven Caulker. Interest in the 22-year old is already high with teams including Arsenal, Liverpool and Crystal Palace all fighting for his signature.

Steven Caulker has emerged as a potential target for Everton

It is thought that Everton manager Roberto Martinez is looking for competition for the ageing Sylvain Distin and sees Caulker as the ideal man to fill in that role.

Caulker impressed many this past season having played all 38 league games whilst scoring five times. It is believed that Cardiff are looking for in excess of £8 million for the defender.

It was originally thought that Caulker had a relegation release clause within his contract but these claims have been proven to be wrong following bids worth up to £7 million being rejected: £1 million more than the named figure for the clause.

In other news, Everton are poised to make an offer for Dutch international centre-backs Bruno Martins Indi of Feyenoord and Stefan De Vrij of PSV Eindhoven as they look to strengthen their defence to challenge for a Champions League spot next season.