Everton and RB Leipzig are in advanced negations over the possible sale of Blues winger Ademola Lookman, according to the Liverpool Echo.
The Bundesliga outfit have been intent on signing the 21-year-old since last summer following his successful loan spell at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig, but saw their advances continually rebuffed as Marco Silva and Marcel Brands stated that the Englishman was not for sale.
Lookman, a product of Charlton Athletic’s academy, continued to be on the fringes of the Toffees’ first-team during the Portuguese head coach’s inaugural season on Merseyside however, leading to reports of Everton warming to the prospect of selling the Three Lions youth international.
The Toffees board are said to value Lookman close to £25million, having rejected a package starting at that figure a year ago as they held out for at least £28million plus add-ons.
Leipzig’s approaches this year are believed to have started in the region of £13million, before rising to £18million with £4.5million included in various add-ons. There has also been speculation by Sky Sports recently, which suggested the two parties had come to an agreement over a £22.5million transfer and a move could be finalised within days, but the Echo understand these claims are wide of the mark.
Instead, the local press claim Everton are still in advanced negotiations with Leipzig as they feel their £25million valuation can be met. A deal is expected to go through at some point this summer though, making Lookman’s days as a Toffees winger numbered.
The 21-year-old is currently with the Blues at our pre-season camp in Switzerland, but is restricted in what he can do due to an ankle injury sustained in Kenya.
Here’s how these Everton fans reacted to the Echo rubbishing speculation of a £22.5million deal being agreed…
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card
Card