Aston Villa are close to finalising a deal to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, according to The Athletic.
Both clubs are nearing an agreement for a deal worth around £50 million, while Onana has reportedly agreed personal terms with Villa on a long-term contract.
The 22-year-old has been linked with an exit from Goodison Park, with several Premier League clubs registering interest in his services.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United have previously been credited with an interest, while Bayern Munich and Barcelona have also been linked.
However, Villa’s interest seems to have developed quickly, and they’re now on the verge of finalising a move for the midfielder, who Roberto Martinez described as a ‘really exciting‘ player two years ago.
Onana made 37 appearances for Everton last season and was part of the Belgium squad that crashed out of the 2024 European Championship at the last 16 stage.
He will be a like-for-like replacement for Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz, who recently completed a high-profile move to Serie A giants Juventus.
Onana’s imminent Everton exit will effectively shut the door on a potential move for Jarrad Branthwaite, who has been heavily courted by Man United.
The Red Devils are known admirers of the England international and have seen two bids turned down by the Toffees.
Everton are holding out for an offer of around £70m for Branthwaite. Unless Man United substantially increase their next proposal, the defender is poised to remain at Goodison Park for at least next season.
Meanwhile, Everton will reportedly turn their attention to Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu as a potential replacement for Onana.
Reports claim the Toffees are one of three Premier League clubs keen on the France Under-21 international midfielder, who just returned from a lengthy injury lay-off.
Ugochukwu only started in three of his 12 appearances for Chelsea last season, but his impressive numbers showcased his enormous talent.
He was a dominant force in the air, winning 82% of his aerial duels. He also recorded a solid 59% success rate in ground duels.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
