Everton have made Chelsea midfielder Scott Parker a priority target for an anticipated January spending spree.

The England international has slipped down the Stamford Bridge pecking order under Jose Mourinho and has made just one substitute appearance for the Blues this season.

And with David Moyes expecting to receive around a third of the £27million fee which took Wayne Rooney to Manchester United plus a potential capital injection from prospective investor Chris Samuelson, the Toffees look in pole position to rescue the former Charlton star.

Parker has stated his willingness to fight for a first-team place at Chelsea, but the chance to get back into Sven Goran Eriksson's thinking through regular first-team football is known to appeal.

And this reported unrest has prompted both Moyes and Samuelson to confirm their interest in a move.

"We were interested in Scott Parker before he went to Chelsea and he would be a player we would consider if he became available again because he is a very good player," Moyes said.

"Whether we could afford him or get him is a different matter."

That decision may rest with Samuelson, who has set up the Fortress Sports Fund to buy his way into the club and is expected to buy a 29.9% stake for £12.8million some time in the next couple of months.

He said, "Obviously we can't compete with Roman Abramovich who can write cheques for £100million without blinking."

"However, there is only one of him and how many players can he have in his side?

"We hear of unrest in their squad. People like Scott Parker can't get a game and it is players like these we should be looking at and no doubt will look at to try to see if we can get them to come here.

"Arsenal have a full repertoire [of players], Chelsea don't look like they will be buying many more new players in the near future and Manchester United, according to what they tell us, don't have any money left because they have spent it all on somebody else!

"That opens up opportunities for Everton. We will be in a good position to compete for these type of players and will not have to pay crazy prices for them.

"Who we go for is ultimately David Moyes' decision but he will have our complete support."

Samuelson is also keen for the club to make the most of their market value and increase opportunities to make money.

"Everton is a jewel. It has such a spirit here and this is what is so special about the club," he told the club's website, www.evertonfc.com.

"Evertonians are totally passionate and I think we can teach others to have the same feelings, giving us [a chance] to create a vast following around the world.

"The Premiership is watched by 139 countries and we need to tap into that to be competitive and have the resources we need to get Everton's revenues up.

"Okay, we are not going to become Manchester United but today we are £42-43million versus their £175million. If we can get to £100million it will have a big impact on what the club can do.

"The secret now is to take the club forward."