Everton have completed an audacious coup to sign Belgium international midfielder Amadou Onana.
The Blues hijacked a deal West Ham had put together for the highly rated young Lille star, and have agreed a fee of around £33.7m for the 20-year-old. Boss Frank Lampard was keen on the defensive midfielder, to bolster the centre of the pitch, as he rebuilds after narrowly escaping relegation next season.
And Everton after satisfying Premier League Profit and Sustainability regulations with the sale of Richarlison at the end of May, they have been given the all clear to spend once more.
It is understood Onana will undergo a medical tomorrow before completing his transfer.
The Senegal born midfielder had initially held talks with the Hammers, but could not agree a contract, and decided instead to pursue the interest of the Merseyside club, who offered a five year deal.
Onana only arrived at Lille last year after a stand out season with Hamburg, but instantly became a regular with the French club, and forced his way into the Belgian national side.
Belgium coach Roberto Martinez has close ties with Everton and it is thought he offered a glowing report on the young star who is likely to force his way into the World Cup squad.
And Lampard is not finished yet. Talks are ongoing with PSG for former Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye, another former Lille player who is now with PSG. The Goodison club are set to pay a small fee for the 32 year old Senegal international, who has fallen out of favour in Paris.
There is also interest in Wolves skipper Conor Coady, but that is seen as a complicated deal that is unlikely at this stage.
If Onana passes the medical he will go into the Everton squad for next weekend, when they face a trip to Aston Villa.
