Report: Everton still looking to strike deal for Morgan Schneiderlin

Ronald Koeman is reportedly unwilling to look elsewhere when it comes to Everton's pursuit of Morgan Schneiderlin.

According to the Guardian's Andy Hunter, Everton is planning a new bid for Schneiderlin, as Koeman will not accept second-choice options in the January transfer window. The report was published two days after Manchester United apparently rejected a £19-million offer from the Toffees for the Frenchman.

Meanwhile, the Birmingham Mail's Paul Stuart says West Bromwich Albion's faint hopes of signing Schneiderlin could end this weekend, as Everton is "close to agreeing a fee" with United.

Speaking on Thursday, Koeman, without specifying names, stressed Everton isn't interested in alternative options, saying: "We know the players we want. We know the players we want and it is up to the board to make the deal and then, okay, if we don't get that positive call from the board then I am focused on my job, which is to prepare the team for the next game.

"We will see if finally we get the players in because that is really important for the team. If not we don't sign other players because that is not what I want."

Schneiderlin holds only three appearances to his name in the 2016-17 Premier League season, all of which came as a substitute, totaling 11 minutes. Of course, the 27-year-old midfielder played under Koeman at Southampton, and Everton is in need of a midfielder since the Toffees will temporarily be without Idrissa Gana Gueye, who was called up to Senegal's squad for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

Related - Watch: United doghouse dweller Schneiderlin trains alone in park

On Thursday, Everton made its first signing of the January transfer window, as Ademola Lookman joined the Toffees from Charlton Athletic for a reported initial fee of £7.5 million.