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It appears that Everton’s attempts to sign Samuel Chukwueze from Villarreal are moving very quickly, because soon after we covered a claim that the Toffees were preparing a big offer for the player, an update from Mundo Deportivo suggest a deal has been struck.

They go as far as saying the Nigerian forward is ‘very close’ and ‘one step away’ from Frank Lampard’s side, where he would arrive ‘on loan with a mandatory purchase option of €45m’.

This has all come as a surprise for Villarreal, as the interest from Everton ‘did not reach the ears’ of the La Liga side ‘until this Tuesday’.

Mundo Deportivo then add that ‘from that moment on’, talks have led ‘to an agreement in principle’, with the ‘last fringes’ needed before it ‘becomes a reality’.

As for Villarreal, who appear to have decided to part ways with the 23-year-old after being faced with Everton’s offer, are already considering a replacement in Denis Suarez, who’s spent his time at Manchester City, Barcelona, Arsenal and now Celta Vigo.

Chukweze was a rotation option for Unai Emery last season, starting 12 games from a possible 27 in La Liga when fit, as he scored seven goals and assisted three others in 38 appearances in all competitions.