Everton confident of signing Gylfi Sigurdsson as Ronald Koeman insists deal is 'still close' Chris Bascombe
10 AUGUST 2017 • 3:17PM
Everton manager Ronald Koeman believes a deal for Swansea’s Gyfli Sigurdsson remains close as he looks to complete one of the most protracted transfers of the summer.Koeman is adamant talks are ongoing between the Merseysiders and Welsh club, although they have dragged on for weeks as the clubs try to agree a valuation in excess of £45 million.
“It’s still close. That has not changed,” said Koeman.
“I heard some rumours that the talks broke down but we are still in negotiations with Swansea. I have heard the comments of Paul Clement, the manager of Swansea. Of course everyone would like news, that it is better for us and it is better for them.
“Everybody knows the window is difficult and it is always a game between the selling club and the buying club. But we are close. Let’s hope we get an agreement as soon as possible. I’m not the right man to talk about the business. That is not my job. I said really soon last weekend. Let’s wait. We are not in a hurry. But, finally, we hope to do a deal.”
Everton prepare for their opening game against Stoke this weekend in better shape than a year ago, but with the Dutch coach eager to add more recruits.
In his pre-match briefing, Koeman even offered an olive branch to midfielder Ross Barkley. Having recently suggested Barkley has played his final game for Everton, Koeman was more conciliatory.
“Ross Barkley is back in training. That is good news for him and good news for us,” he said.
“He has participated in the last two training sessions but he lost a long period of pre-season. But I don’t have any update. There is no offer on the table for Ross. That means he will stay at Everton until now. What happens in the coming weeks, I don’t know.”
Asked if he would consider selecting Barkley when fit, Koeman said: “Yes of course but he has one more year on his contract.
“If there is an offer, maybe the club will not accept. He is a really good player; a young player, an English player. With all the valuations we have seen the last few weeks about players, then if you want to buy Ross, it is a big (financial) deal.
“I expected us to have offers on the table for Ross because he made the decision not to sign. At the moment, there is no interest. Ok, he will stay and be part of the team. And the best XI will start the game.
“I respect every personal ambition of every player but still he is doing the training with Everton; he is training in a good way. He is back from groin surgery and we will see what happens the next couple of weeks.”
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2017/08/10/everton-confident-signing-gyfli-sigurdsson-ronald-koeman-insists/
