Everton: Is Sigurdsson backing Swansea into a corner?

There has been yet another plot twist in the ongoing Gyfli Sigurdsson to Everton saga – we’re just not in any position to complain about it.

Mention the name Gyfli Sigurdsson and it’s almost getting to the point where Everton fans will sigh and/or groan. After all, the reality is this saga should have long concluded by now.

Of course, don’t expect us to complain – that would just be hypocritical on our part. Especially when you consider the amount of coverage we’ve given this in recent weeks.

In that respect, we’re sure you’ll be glad to know there’s been another twist in this ongoing story. As reported by Sky Sports‘ Stephen Turner, Sigurdsson was left out of Saturday’s squad, for Swansea City’s friendly with Birmingham City, at St. Andrew’s.

This was considered somewhat surprising, given how eager Swansea are for the 27-year-old to remain with the team. He had even returned to first-team training, after the club’s tour of the United States.

However, it seems the reason Sigurdsson was left out of Saturday’s game, is similar to why he did not travel to the United States. As the Swans admitted themselves on their website, he sat out of their latest friendly, due to the ongoing speculation regarding his future.

Understandably, Swansea made out the decision was mutual. However, you have to wonder if the Icelandic international is backing the club into a corner?

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Consider that Sigurdsson previously made his decision not to go on the pre-season tour to the United States, just hours before the team was due to fly out to Philadelphia. Since then, speculation has indicated his desire to move to Merseyside.

In that respect, the Echo‘s Joe Rimmer offered a further update on Saturday afternoon. More specifically, Rimmer reported the winger is desperate to speak to Everton and wants Swansea to give him permission to talk terms.

As we’ve written previously, the Swans are theoretically in a position of strength, with Sigurdsson still having three years remaining on his current deal. In addition, despite this being a Everton-based website, we believe the Blues should stump up the extra £5 million to pay the asking price and bring this unsavoury episode to a belated conclusion.

The problem is, if the former Tottenham Hotspur player has made up his mind to leave, this puts the South West Wales club in an extremely awkward position. We imagine this saga will continue well into next month, but if Sigurdsson continues to turn the screw, Everton could yet clinch the signing of one of their main summer targets.

Next: Who will play in goal for 2nd leg vs. Ruzomberok?

Where will this end? When will it end? HOW will it end? Is Sigurdsson going to join Everton or not, before the conclusion of the summer transfer window? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.