Everton ready to hijack deal by offering higher wages than Premier League rivals

After making additions to the attack and the defence, Frank Lampard is pushing to reinforce the midfield. The deal for Idrissa Gueye looks set to complete soon and now the Toffees want to add another midfielder in Amadou Onana.

LOSC Lille’s Onana has been linked with Everton earlier in the window but until now there weren’t any concrete steps taken to sign the young Belgian. 90min had claimed that a host of clubs were keeping tabs on Onana with West Ham showing the most interest. Lille had slapped a £50 million to ward off interest as Everton and Newcastle United also remained keen.

The 20 year old was an integral part of the Lille team last season, playing in 31 Ligue 1 games and playing all eight UEFA Champions League games. Onana is comfortable playing as a central midfielder or be a part of a double pivot. Everton are looking for a midfielder who can win the ball in the middle of the park and have a high defensive work rate.

Gueye’s arrival will ease those worries but it is rumoured that Everton will only offer him a two year deal. The 32 year old is more of a stop gap solution and the Toffees will still need a player who can carry out the duties of a holding midfielder in the future. That is where Onana comes in.

Everton hoping to hijack Amadou Onana deal

West Ham United have been leading the chase and have submitted a £33.5 million bid to acquire the services of Onana. Lille have accepted West Ham’s offer but terms have not been agreed yet between the player and the Hammers. According to Daily Mail, Everton are planning to hijack the West Ham deal.

Everton have matched West Ham’s £33.5 million bid and are said to be offering better contract to Onana. The Belgian is also holding out and prefers a move to Goodison Park rather than joining West Ham.

If the Merseysiders manage to sign Onana, it will be a huge coup as Everton would have managed to beat a Premier League rival that can offer European football. At 20, Onana has time on his side and he will have a proper resale value in the future.

If the Lille midfielder eventually decides to sign for Toffees, Frank Lampard will be getting a powerhouse of a midfielder who can dominate aerially and win the ball back.

Will Everton manage to sign Amadou Onana?