Everton: Nearing the finishing line with Gylfi Sigurdsson

Swansea City manager Paul Clement says they are a couple of days away from finalising the details for Gylfi Sigurdsson’s transfer to Everton.

It’s sounds as if the Gylfi Sigurdsson saga is finally…..finally!…..nearing a conclusion. In the process, Everton will get one of their most sought after targets of the summer.

Now understandably, Evertonians could be forgiven for treating this update with short shrift. After all, this whole storyline has already dragged on much longer than necessary – why should they believe it is now reaching its conclusion, especially with virtually another month still to go, before the transfer window closes?

This is a fair question, but don’t take our word for it. Instead, take it straight from the horse’s mouth.

More specifically, take it from the comments made on Wednesday, by Swansea city manager Paul Clement. Speaking to The Guardian‘s Andy Hunter and other members of the media, Clement said:

"“(Sigurdsson) will not play (the friendly) against Sampdoria on Saturday. Talks are still going on and hopefully we are going to get some news in the next couple of days. The deal needs to be the best for all parties involved, we have got a very important season coming up.”"

In terms of the deal being best for both parties, this leads to questions of what exactly that deal will be? It was long assumed the solution involved Everton meeting Swansea’s £50 million valuation for Sigurdsson.

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However, there could be some compromise on this, if the Blues are prepared to include their highly regarded youngster, Callum Connolly. We’ve already voiced our opinion that Everton should keep hold of Connolly and just increase their bid from the recent offer of £45 million.

In this respect though, Hunter makes a good point that the Swans can use all the help they can get in defence, as they prepare for what will likely be another relegation battle – especially without Sigrudsson. Hunter notes that Ashley Williams’ late departure to Goodison Park last summer, severely disrupted the back line and contributed to the team’s struggles during the 2016/17 campaign.

No matter how this turns out now, at least the Blues are finally going to get their hands on Sigurdsson. In the process, they will automatically strengthen their ambitions of challenging for a top four spot.

The Icelandic international was sensational last season, playing a significant role in keeping Swansea in the Premier League. He scored nine goals, added 13 assists and generally caused mayhem for opposing defences.

Next: Is Vermaelen the solution in defence?

Now that Sirgurdsson is finally set to move to Merseyside, what kind are production are you expecting from him this season? Or do you refuse to make any predictions, until he’s officially signed? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.

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