BLACKBURN midfielder David Dunn remains the number one target for Everton boss David Moyes - despite reports linking the Toffees with a move for Fulham's Sean Davis.

Everton today confirmed that £6 million-rated Davis IS among a number of players currently being considered by the Goodison chief.

But as I understand it, Moyes would still prefer a move for Dunn and he's currently thought to be sounding out a number of contacts within the game about the Rovers star before deciding whether or not to lodge an official bid.

Birmingham remain the only club to have made a firm offer for the England midfielder but that was knocked back because the Blues were only prepared to pay £3 million up front with the remaining £2.5 million based on their Premiership survival.

However, Moyes might be able to out-manoeuvre his St Andrews counterpart, Steve Bruce, with a better offer - even though it would mean blowing his entire transfer budget on one player.

Everton want a goalscoring midfielder and Dunn would certainly meet their requirements but Moyes is thought to be slightly concerned by stories regarding the player's life-style which first surfaced last January as a result of comments made by Rovers boss Graeme Souness.

Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the 23-year-old and I can also reveal Middlesbrough boss Steve McLaren may emerge as a surprise contender for his signature.

Sources in the North East have revealed to me that the Boro chief has made tentative inquiries about Dunn, a player he knows well from his England days.

But Rovers are under no immediate pressure to sell and will only sanction a move if a club can meet their valuation.

Rovers have been linked with Atalanta midfielder Ousmane Dabo who says he would jump at the chance of a move to England this summer.