Everton to hijack Wigan Huth move

Huth has struggled for first-team football at Chelsea

Everton are set to beat Wigan to the signing of Chelsea defender Robert Huth, BBC Sport understands.

The Toffees - who are also going to pip the Latics to the signing of Crystal Palace striker Andy Johnson - will have a £5.5m bid accepted by Chelsea.

And the Goodison Park club are confident Huth will choose them ahead of Wigan, just as Johnson has.

Centre-back Huth, 21, is currently with the German national team in Geneva preparing for the World Cup.

He has said previously that he will have showdown talks with boss Jose Mourinho about his lack of first-team action.

"I've not heard about Wigan's interest. All I know is that I am not happy at the moment. After the World Cup I will speak to Jose Mourinho," he said.

He added: "Even a transfer to the Bundesliga is a possibility. It's all open. Nothing has been decided yet."

However, it is understood Everton are now in pole position to land the player.