Everton have made a late swoop to secure the signing of Lille star Amadou Onana, after the midfielder looked set to join West Ham United.
The ECHO understands that the Blues have matched the bid made by the London club, which could rise to around £33.5m including various add-ons over the course of the deal. Various reports on Wednesday evening claimed that Frank Lampard's side were growing in confidence that the 20-year-old would choose a move to Goodison Park over the London Stadium.
Everton have been on the search for new midfield options over the course of the summer transfer window and have been strongly linked with a separate move to bring Idrissa Gueye back to Merseyside after three years spent at Paris Saint-Germain.
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Onana signed for Lille in August 2021 on a five-year deal, moving to the club from Hamburger SV. The midfielder made 32 appearances across the course of the Ligue 1 season, bagging one goal in that time.
So far the Blues have confirmed three arrivals this summer, securing James Tarkowski on a free transfer and bringing Ruben Vinagre to Goodison on loan. The signing of Dwight McNeil last week represents the only money the club has spent so far this window after a £15m deal was agreed with Burnley.
Everton are also expected to be in the market for further additions to their front line following the sale of Richarlison. This need may well have been strengthened by a recent injury sustained to Dominic Calvert-Lewin, which could keep him on the sidelines for the opening portion of the campaign.
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