Everton to beat AC Milan for Keisuke Honda?

Everton are reportedly confident of fending off competition from AC Milan for CSKA Moscow playmaker Keisuke Honda.

The Japanese international is said to be attracting the attention of Milan, but Blues boss Roberto Martinez is keen to launch a bid for the attacking midfielder, according to the Liverpool Echo.

Honda's contract is up in January and the Rossoneri are thought to want to wait to capture him on a free transfer next year.

The 27-year-old is valued at around £5m by his Russian club and the Merseyside outfit will make a bid this summer in an attempt to beat the Italians to the player's signature.

Honda has scored 15 goals in 45 caps for Japan and was part of the squad that took part in the Confederations Cup in Brazil.