Everton have been told they would be signing ‘a kind of Marouane Fellaini’ if they can get a deal for Amadou Onana over the line.
The Blues have been heavily linked with the Belgian midfielder today, with reports in France and Belgium stating they’ve made a €35m bid for his services.
That’s the same figure that West Ham have also offered, but the player is said to have cut off negotiations with the Hammers.
He has made Everton his preferred destination according to reports, although the Blues are yet to strike a deal with Lille for the youngster.
It is, though, a deal that is progressing rapidly and an agreement is seemingly close to being agreed between the two parties.
That is likely to be worth around €40m, which is not only a big figure for Everton but certainly one for a player who only managed 11 starts in Ligue 1 last season.
It means the step up could be massive, and journalist Sirik Geffray admits there will need to be a quick adaptation.
“Onana does have a profile that English clubs love,” he told Sporza.
“Certainly clubs like West Ham, Everton or Leicester City. He is an athletic boy, with a huge running ability, who is strong in the duels.
“He’s a kind of Marouane Fellaini: going into duels, winning head-to-head duels and a great range. The clubs below the absolute top in England all have this type of footballer in their squad.
“He really wasn’t a basic player. He only played 90 minutes six times. In England, he will have to make the step to become a basic player and perform every week.
“He will also have to make a lot of progress. We noticed that last season in the top games at Lille.
“A transfer to England will certainly mean a boost for his career, but the moment of truth is coming. I’m really curious to see how he will do there.”
