Everton boss Koeman declares interest in Sigurdsson, discusses potential bid
By Danny Wright
Everton manager Ronald Koeman has confirmed that he is interested in signing Swansea playmaker Gylfi Sigurdsson.
Sky Sports News has reported that the Toffees have lodged two mega-money bids in order to try and land the 27-year-old this summer, but so far the Swans have rebuffed everything that has come their way.
It is understood that Everton's latest bid was worth up to £45million, but Swansea are said to be holding out for £50million as they try their best to keep hold of their key man.
Koeman has now been asked about his stance over a third bid for the Iceland international after he recently confirmed that Ross Barkley will leave Goodison Park this summer.
When asked about making another bid for Sigurdsson, the Dutch manager was quoted by Wales Online in a press conference on Wednesday as saying: "Of course we have interest in the player.
“I don’t know (if we will go back for Sigurdsson).”
Everton have been one of the most exciting teams to keep watch of in this summer transfer window, after splashing a glut of money on improving their squad with talents such as Jordan Pickford, Davy Klaassen, Wayne Rooney, Sandro Ramirez and Michael Keane.
Romelu Lukaku has left for Manchester United in a big-money deal and with Barkley expected to follow the Belgian to the Goodison exit, Koeman may find his transfer budget boosted once again, meaning a £50million deal for Sigurdsson may be achievable.
Football Insider Verdict
A deal for Sigurdsson could completely depend on what happens regarding Barkley's situation on Merseyside. Koeman should attempt to get at least £30million for the England international, but it remains to be seen whether or not Sigurdsson would be able to fill his boots. The Icelandic midfielder is proven in the Premier League, but he doesn't represent the longevity that Barkley does, nor is he an Evertonian at heart. It's good for English football that the Toffees have a proud recent history of nurturing academy talent into the first-team, and to see Barkley go to be replaced by an over-seas star could be quite disappointing for some fans.
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