Despite having already made 5 major signings this summer, Everton boss Ronald Koeman is still in the market for few more.
The Dutch manager has been after the signature of Swansea’s Gylfi Sigurdsson since the window opened, but no headway has been made.
The Welsh club aren’t ready to let their best player go on the cheap and are standing firm by their £50million asking price.
Everton have seen earlier bids of £40million and £45million rejected for the Iceland international, but are expected to keep testing Swansea’s resolve.
At least, that’s what Koeman wants, but he admits it isn’t within his powers to make the deal come to fruition.
As reported by Goal, the Toffees’ manager told ITV, “It’s up to the board. Everyone knows our interest in the player but I don’t decide it in financial terms. It’s up to the board.”
Sigurdsson is unarguably the best utility player in the Premier League. He featured in 7 different positions for the Swans last term, helping them starve off relegation with his 9 goals and 13 assists.
That rare and exquisite ability of his to perform excellently well in any midfield and attacking role, amongst others, is why Koeman covets the former Tottenham player.
The manager clearly wants his man ahead of a season Everton are expected to make a top 6 finish, and the club must do all it takes to land Sigurdsson, even if they have to break the bank.