Premier League transfer round-up: Everton make early signing as window re-opens
Everton are reportedly closing in on an agreement to sign Anwar El Ghazi from Aston Villa. The Toffees have already added Vitalii Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson this month to strengthen Rafa Benitez's options at full back.
Lucas Digne looks set to leave Everton (Image: GETTY)
And Everton look likely to strike first with talkSPORT reporting they are 'on the brink' of completing a £15m for El Ghazi.
El Ghazi joined Villa in 2018 on loan and played a crucial role in helping them earn promotion to the Premier League before his move was made permanent.
The Dutchman enjoyed his best season in front of goal last season with 11 goals in all competitions.
But he's fallen down the pecking order at Villa Park under Steven Gerrard and Philippe Coutinho's arrival will only limit El Ghazi's minutes further.
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Villa are being tipped as the favourites with Digne supposedly uninterested in a move to Newcastle.
Speaking last week, Benitez confirmed that Digne made it clear he wants to leave this month.
And Steven Gerrard dropped the biggest hint yet that Villa are closing in on a move for the 28-year-old after being knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester United.
"We are working hard on targets," he said.
"It is not respectful to mention any names but there is no smoke without fire and we want to try and improve certain areas of our team and our squad."