Everton forward James Vaughan is poised to join Championship side Crystal Palace on loan.
The 22-year-old has been linked with a move away from Goodison Park for some time having fallen down the pecking order.
And it now appears Palace have beaten division rivals Derby and Sheffield United in the race to sign the England U21 player.
Palace manager George Burley told the Croydon Advertiser: “We think James is a very good player and we are hoping to finalise the move today or tomorrow.
“It’s no secret we have been looking for a striker and I think James could be the answer.
“He will be the final player we bring in, after this deal we will work with what we’ve got.”
Burley is now hoping to conclude talks with opposite number David Moyes in time to have Vaughan available for Saturday’s trip to Reading.