Everton have made tentative checks on the availability of Liverpool striker Divock Origi as they assess ways to strengthen their options upfront, sources have told ESPN FC.
Origi is down the pecking order at Liverpool and has not been part of a matchday squad for Jurgen Klopp this season.
A source said that Liverpool had become aware of potential interest from Everton in the 23-year-old, but were yet to receive any contact from their local rivals.
Abel Xavier's £800,000 transfer from Everton to Liverpool in 2002 is the last time any player made the switch across Stanley Park.
Liverpool were willing to sanction a permanent departure for Origi in the summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have a long-standing interest in the player and agreed a £22 million deal, plus add-ons, with Liverpool in the summer before Origi turned down the Premier League newcomers.
Borussia Dortmund were also keen on Origi in August, although Liverpool broke off discussions as they were not prepared to let the Belgian depart on loan.
Everton are keen to add more firepower to their ranks as recognised strikers Cenk Tosun, Dominic Calvert-Lewis and Oumar Niasse have just two Premier League goals between them so far this season.
Gylfi Sigurdsson and summer signing Richarlison are Everton's top scorers in the league, with boss Marco Silva using the latter as a frontman in the 2-1 win at Leicester City prior to the international break.