Premier League outfit and FA Cup semi-finalists Everton have joined the race for Southend United goalkeeper Daniel Bentley, according to the Sun.

The 22-year-old was brought up through the ranks at the League One club, and has never played a professional football match elsewhere.

The Essex-born shot-stopper has already made 155 appearances in all competitions since his debut in 2011 as an 18-year-old.

It is rumoured that AFC Bournemouth, Norwich City, Watford and West Bromwich Albion were all keeping an eye on the young shot stopper.

However, it now appears that Everton could be front-runners in the race, as it seems very likely that long-serving Toffees goalkeeper Tim Howard will be leaving in the summer.

Bentley shone in the 2013-14 season, as he kept 19 clean sheets in a promotion-challenging season for the Shrimpers.

He impressed even more in the 2014-15 season, as he broke the club's record when he kept 12 home clean sheets in a row. He was also the hero at Wembley as he saved two penalties in the shootout against Wycombe Wanderers that sent Southend up into League One.

He was rewarded for his outstanding season when he was named the club's supporters' Player of the Year, Players' Player of the Year and also the Community Player of the Year. As well as this, he made the League Two PFA Team of the Year.

Bentley is continuing to impress this season and as was expected, he is a wanted man.

He is currently out of contract at the end of the season and is clearly wanted by a number of Premier League clubs who hold him in very high regard.

Southend fans... what do you make of the news? How important is it that you keep hold of Daniel Bentley in the summer? Let us know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!