Player wants to join Everton, four-year deal agreed in principle - report

It is one of the worst-kept secrets that Everton want to sign Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure this summer. 

The recently-relegated Hornets are staying strict over their £30million-plus valuation despite playing in the Championship next season.

The Frenchman has been a standout at Vicarage Road since joining, and Carlo Ancelotti wants to significantly improve his midfield.

So, how is the deal progressing?

The Athletic have reported that both Watford and Doucoure are ready for his switch to Everton to be completed once the fine details are ironed out.

It is suggested on their website that the midfielder has agreed a four-year deal in principle with the Toffees, with the fee the only hurdle left to clear.

Doucoure is said to be eager to work with Ancelotti and is pleased to join a club who have been persistent in their negotiations for two years now.

Both Jarrad Branthwaite and Anthony Gordon could have gone the other way on loan to help the deal, but the duo are in Ancelotti's first-team plans.

The 27-year-old was superb last season despite Watford's relegation and has been for quite some years.

Everton have missed that midfielder who can get forward from the heart of their side and find the back of the net, as well as add much-needed strength.

Doucoure has been involved in 27 goals in the past three Premier League seasons, something we want him to continue doing at Goodison Park.

In other Everton news, Toffees signing details conversation with Carlo Ancelotti before sealing switch