Everton have confirmed they are in talks with Arsenal about a move for Philippe Senderos, but deny he will be a direct replacement for Joleon Lescott.
England defender Lescott is wanted by Manchester City, and talk of a move for Senderos led to speculation a switch to Eastlands could be imminent.
Everton chairman Bill Kenwright said: 'We have been negotiating with Arsenal for the transfer of Philippe. Nothing has been concluded yet but talks are on-going.'
A fee of about £6million is being discussed for the player who was on loan to AC Milan last season, playing 15 times.
But an Everton club source insisted Senderos - who joined Arsenal in 2003 - was not being signed as a direct replacement for Lescott.
Senderos is being lined up as cover at the back, where Phil Jagielka is not due back from a knee injury until November at the earliest.
However, the Switzerland international's arrival on Merseyside would compensate for a possible Lescott departure.
Everton have rejected two bids, £15million and £18million, from City boss Mark Hughes.
But Lescott did hold talks with Toffees manager David Moyes yesterday, but did not put in a formal transfer request.
Lescott has been told by Moyes he will not be sold and City have yet to return with a third bid.
