Wanderers are willing to push the boat out to land highly-rated US international Tim Ream ahead of Premier League rivals West Brom.

The defender, who has earned seven caps for his country, is expected to spend a week on trial with both clubs next month before deciding on his future.

But with Albion reluctant to spend in January, and favouring a six-month loan move, Wanderers could well hold the upper hand as they are willing to match New York Red Bulls’ £2million asking price and land the 24-year-old outright.

Owen Coyle has a few aces up his sleeve, with fellow American Stuart Holden already in the camp and midfielder Jeff Larentowicz also currently training with the club.

The Wanderers boss has also struck up a good relationship with US national team coach Jurgen Klinsmann, who has put in a good word to Ream’s representatives.

West Brom had looked favourites to sign the 6ft 1in defender in some capacity after tracking his progress in the MLS since the Emirates Cup in the summer.

Roy Hodgson wants to recruit a defender in the next transfer window and also maintains an interest in another player on Coyle’s radar, Manchester City’s Nedum Onuoha, who will be made available for loan at Eastlands after failing to earn a squad number.

Wanderers could yet be fighting on both fronts, and with Gary Cahill almost certain to leave the Reebok for either Chelsea or Tottenham, cash should be freed up for Coyle to freshen his squad.

Meanwhile, Wanderers gave a run-out to Darren Pratley, Martin Petrov and Tuncay in the reserves on Tuesday night as they lost 2-1 at Leyland to Manchester United.

Coyle is expected to make changes to the side that under-performed in the second half at West Brom when Everton visit the Reebok on Saturday.

Dedryck Boyata is making good progress to declaring himself fit from an ankle injury and is likely to replace the injured Joe Riley at right-back.

Everton have themselves received a fitness boost with captain Phil Neville and young midfielder Jack Rodwell returning to training yesterday.

Striker Royston Drenthe is a doubt for David Moyes’s side, however, with a hamstring problem picked up in last week’s victory over Wolves.