Aston Villa are close to finalising a deal to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, according to The Athletic.
Both clubs are nearing an agreement for a deal worth around £50 million, while Onana has reportedly agreed personal terms with Villa on a long-term contract.
The 22-year-old has repeatedly been linked with an exit from Goodison Park, with several Premier League clubs registering interest in his services.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United have previously been credited with an interest, while Bayern Munich, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked.
However, Villa’s interest seems to have developed quickly, and they’re now on the verge of finalising a move for the midfielder, who Roberto Martinez described as a ‘really exciting‘ player two years ago.
Onana made 37 appearances for Everton last season and was part of the Belgium squad that crashed out of the 2024 European Championship at the last 16 stage.
He will be a like-for-like replacement for Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, who recently completed a high-profile move to Serie A giants Juventus.
Villa have already added fresh recruits to their midfield ranks, signing Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus and Ross Barkley from Luton Town, but Onana will provide further reinforcement for Unai Emery’s side.
The 2023/24 surprise package are preparing for Champions League football, and Emery is eager to bolster his squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.
Onana’s imminent Everton exit will effectively shut the door on a potential move for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been heavily courted by Man United.
The Red Devils are known admirers of the England international and have seen two bids turned down by the Toffees.
Everton are holding out for an offer of around £70m for Branthwaite. Unless Man United substantially increase their next proposal, the defender is poised to remain at Goodison Park for at least next season.
Everton believe Branthwaite is in the same bracket as fellow central defenders Harry Maguire, Wesley Fofana and Josko Gvardiol, all of whom were recently sold for fees over £75m.
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