Fulham boss Sanchez had Brunt earmarked to complete a handful of Northern Ireland players at Craven Cottage, after completing the signings of Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes, Steve Davis and David Healy over the summer.

He made his move last month by tabling an offer to Sheffield Wednesday for the 22-year-old, but had that bid rejected.

Although a further bid was expected, Fulham haven't returned with a better offer, leaving the door open for Everton to gatecrash the deal.

Their manager David Moyes is understood to be lining up a £3million move for Brunt and although the Owls claim that they won't sell, that is a figure which is more likely to tempt the Championship outfit.

Brunt had been in talks with Wednesday over a new deal, but those broke down recently and the club insist they have made their final offer.

The Toffees, who face Tottenham at White Hart Lane in a Premier League clash this evening, were today expected to splash out a club record £9million on Portuguese midfielder Manuel Fernandes, who had a loan spell at Goodison Park last season.

The 21-year-old Benfica player would, however, be ruled ineligible for Everton's UEFA Cup participation if he plays for his current club against FC Copenhagen in the Champions League tonight.

Brunt, also interesting West Ham and West Brom, was yesterday named in Nigel Worthington's first Northern Ireland squad for next week's Euro 2008 qualifier at home to Liechtenstein.

He is one player that should be fresh for that game as after playing against Ipswich Town on Saturday Brunt is now serving a three-match suspension following a sending-off in a pre-season friendly.