Everton held discussions with Manchester United over transfer targets Memphis Depay and Morgan Schneiderlin before last weekend's 1-1 draw, sources close to the Merseyside club have told ESPN FC.
Everton are keen on signing the out-of-favour United duo in January as they look to bolster their squad, and the two clubs were able to explore and discuss options prior to last Sunday's game at Goodison Park.
Toffees manager Ronald Koeman, who has money to spend in January, admitted his interest in Depay last month, though his comments angered United boss Jose Mourinho.
Koeman, though, could step up his interest in the winger after losing Yannick Bolasie for the rest of the season to a serious knee injury.
Depay has made just one start this term under Mourinho and could be open to the opportunity of moving on in search of regular first-team football.
Schneiderlin has also found himself well down the pecking order at Old Trafford this season under Mourinho, starting just three games in all competitions.
Koeman worked with Schneiderlin in his first season in charge of Southampton and is looking to bring a dynamic midfielder to Goodison Park with doubts surrounding the long-term future of James McCarthy on Merseyside.
Depay and Schneiderlin do not appear to figure in Mourinho's plans with the duo left out of United's 19-man squad to face Zorya Luhansk in the Europa League on Thursday.