Aston Villa are closing in on a £50m deal for the Everton midfielder Amadou Onana. The 22-year-old moved to Goodison Park for £35m from Lille two years ago.
Onana, who was in Belgium’s team for all their Euro 2024 matches, endured a difficult final couple of months of the season and started only two of Everton’s last six games – the final two when top-flight status had been secured.
There was an expectation the club would cash in on him because he was not viewed as integral to Sean Dyche’s plans. Everton, who received two points deductions for financial breaches last season, are happy to cash in, although it is understood a sell-on fee is due to Lille.
Onana’s sale will bolster Everton’s resolve to fend off Manchester United’s interest in the centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
Liam Delap has signed for promoted Ipswich from Manchester City on a five-year deal. The 21-year-old, who has joined for an undisclosed fee, is Kieran McKenna’s fourth summer signing after Omari Hutchinson, Jacob Greaves and Ben Johnson.
Delap played six times for Manchester City, having loans at Stoke, Preston and Hull in the past two seasons. The England Under-21s forward told Town TV: “The manager here likes to play exciting football. It’s quick and intense and I am looking forward to that.”
McKenna said: “He is a player with outstanding physical and technical attributes who has a hunger to come here and continue to learn and improve.”
after newsletter promotion
Tottenham are understood have allowed the academy graduate Troy Parrott to join AZ Alkmaar for €8m (£6.7m). The Republic of Ireland forward spent last season on loan in the Netherlands at Excelsior.