Sources close to the midlands club insist the Toffees have not made official contact over the out-of-favour Doyle.

But they are aware he has been on Everton's radar for the past two months and have earmarked Newcastle's Leon Best as a possible loan replacement should there be developments.

Doyle was Wolves' £6million record signing when he moved from Reading two-and-a-half years ago and played a major part in them staying in the Barclays Premier League in his first season at the club.

But the Republic of Ireland international has not looked as effective since he suffered a knee injury when on duty for his country last March.

There is no suggestion that Wolves boss Mick McCarthy is keen to sell Doyle, but Steven Fletcher has taken over the mantle of number one striker and Doyle has been confined to the substitutes' bench in recent weeks.

Wolves have slipped into the bottom three of the league as they prepare for tomorrow's home clash with Liverpool.

But to date their only activity during the January transfer window has seen them sign Iceland midfielder Eggert Jonsson for £600,000 and take Arsenal midfielder Emmanuel Frimpong on loan.

Meanwhile, Wolves midfielder Jamie O'Hara will start on the comeback trail in tonight's home reserve clash with Fulham, the club have confirmed.

O'Hara has been sidelined since undergoing a double hernia operation in early December.

Central defender Jody Craddock will also have another run-out following his recovery from a hamstring injury after playing 60 minutes in a behind closed doors friendly with Burnley last week.