Sources: Everton reach agreement over Dan Rice deal after Newcastle United ambush
Everton have agreed a deal to appoint Southampton transfer guru Dan Rice, sources have told Football Insider.
The in-demand talent spotter is headed to Goodison Park after they hijacked Newcastle United's deal.
The north-east big spenders had targeted Rice as part of a huge overhaul of their entire transfer set-up and he held talks with them over a potential move.
But Everton made a rival offer and have now reached a full agreement and Rice is set to join in the summer.
Football Insider revealed on 3rd April that the Saints’ head of youth recruitment had resigned from his position after two years at the Premier League club before Everton made their eleventh-hour move.
Newcastle also submitted an offer to the talent spotter and were confident of finalising a deal before the Toffees made their move.
Rice was viewed by Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth as one of several appointments as part of his ambitious recruitment drive.
Rice spent two years with Southampton as a player recruitment manager for their Under 13s-Under 19s sides before resigning last month.
The Magpies are preparing for another big summer of spending with several incomings and outgoings expected and were looking to add the talent spotter to their ranks.
On 6 May Football Insider revealed that Howe's side have picked out seven players to sell this summer including Loris Karius, Karl Darlow, and Matty Longstaff among others.
The Tyneside club are preparing to flex their new-found wealth since their Saudi-backed takeover but are conscious of overstepping when it comes to Financial Fair Play and are keen to balance the wage bill with outgoings before bringing in new players.