Everton EXCLUSIVE: Toffees set to reach agreement for Jean-Philippe Gbamin today
EVERTON are closing in on the signing of Jean-Philippe Gbamin from Mainz and an agreement could be reached tonight, despite seeing their opening offer rejected.
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A first bid of £23million for the Ivory Coast international has been rejected by the Bundesliga club, while negotiations remain ongoing this evening.
Marco Silva has earmarked Gbamin to the board as the man he wants to replace Idrissa Gana Gueye, who completed a £28million move to Paris Saint-Germain.
Everton scouts watched the defensive midfielder closely last season as well as at this summer’s Africa Cup of Nations.
Sources close to the player have told Express Sport that despite the initial offer being rejected, the clubs are on course to reach an agreement today.
The Germans are keen to hold out for at least £30million but are already resigned to losing the 23-year-old.
They have lined up Nantes midfielder Abdoulaye Traore as his replacement.
Gbamin is set on a move to the Premier League this summer and is excited at the prospect of testing himself in the English top-flight.
Wolves have also expressed an interest and are still in contact with the player’s entourage.
Unlike Everton though, they are yet to table a bid as of yet and it doesn’t look like they’re willing to pursue a deal barring any late change in circumstances.
Everton EXCLUSIVE: The Toffees are set to reach an agreement for Jean-Philippe Gbamin tonight (Image: GETTY)
Everton continued scouting Gbamin at the Africa Cup of Nations (Image: GETTY)
Idrissa Gueye has completed a switch from Everton to PSG (Image: GETTY)
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Gbamin is an admirer of both projects and sees a top half Premier League club with European ambitions as the perfect next step in his career.
A potential move to Goodison Park has accelerated quickly after the departure of Gueye was confirmed.
Everton were holding out for Gueye’s departure before making their first move for Gbamin.
Discussions had already taken place though and they were adamant that the former Lens man was the player they wanted to sign to fill the void.
Mainz beat Everton 3-1 in the Opel Cup last weekend on the Rhine River as part of the exhibition tournament which also included Sevilla.
Jean-Philippe Gbamin scores 60-yard goal in friendly match