Everton are eager to welcome Jesse Lingard to Goodison Park but agreeing to meet the creative midfielder's wage demands 'would be dangerous', according to Daily Star journalist Paul Brown.
Having already dipped into the free agent market to land James Tarkowski, the Toffees are looking to win the race for Lingard's signature.
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What's the latest news involving Lingard?
Lingard is searching for a new club after leaving Manchester United when his contract expired at the end of last month.
According to The Sun, Everton boss Frank Lampard has identified the 29-year-old as a major target ahead of the new season getting underway.
However, the report suggests Lingard is only interested in heading to Goodison Park as a last resort due to the club's money worries, so it is clear Lampard - who took over as manager in January - will have a tough job of convincing the midfielder to make the move.
West Ham have already submitted an offer to Lingard’s representatives, while Tottenham Hotspur are also considering whether to get involved in negotiations.
Lingard is clearly keeping his options open as he is reportedly set to travel to the United States to listen to pitches from Major League Soccer franchises.
What has Paul Brown said about Lingard?
Lingard is seeking a contract worth £150,000-per-week and Brown feels Everton would be making a mistake if they agreed to meet his demands.
The journalist believes the Toffees would undo their hard work in getting players off the wage bill if they were to offer the ex-Manchester United ace a lucrative salary.
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Brown told GIVEMESPORT: "Everton released quite a lot of money from the wage bill by getting rid of players already this summer and I know they hope to move more on as well.
"But I don't think that means that they'd necessarily be outbidding West Ham on the wage front. I think it would be dangerous to add a player of Lingard's age on a massive salary.
"I think they're probably playing in the same kind of ballpark and Lingard knows that. He just needs to decide which club he'd rather sign for."
Would Lingard be a good signing for Everton?
It is not often you get someone of Lingard’s calibre, having registered 91 goals and assists during his senior club career, available without having to part with a big-money transfer fee.
The 32-cap England international's figures show he would add creativity and additional firepower to Everton's ranks.
However, meeting Lingard's salary expectations would result in him comfortably becoming the Toffees' highest earner and that would not necessarily make business sense.