Everton are closing in on former Tottenham misfit Mounir El Hamdaoui, according to reports in Holland.

The Moroccan has fallen out of favour at Ajax after an argument with manager Frank De Boer and is yet to appear for the Eredivisie giants this season.

Birmingham were hoping to seal a deal for El Hamdaoui, while Fulham manager Martin Jol has also been linked with a move for the striker he signed while in charge at Spurs and Ajax.

But Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf claims it is Everton who are now most likely to land him before the transfer window shuts - although there is also interest from Spain, Italy and France.

It is understood that the 27-year-old would join David Moyes' side on a loan deal until the end of the season when the manager could buy him for an agreed £5m fee.

The Everton manager has been scouring the market for striking reinforcements with his side currently the second-lowest scorers in the Premier League after bottom club Wigan.