By Sam Stone

4th Aug, 2022 | 8:30am

Amadou Onana wants to join Everton, personal terms close to an agreement

Lille midfielder Amadou Onana wants to join Everton over West Ham United according to The Guardian’s Fabrizio Romano.

Romano suggested on Wednesday 3 August (via Twitter) that the Hammers’ move for Onana is stalling because of his desire to move to Goodison Park this summer.

Furthermore, Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri reported (3 August, via Twitter) that Everton will exceed West Ham’s offer for Onana.

It’s understood the Toffees have placed a £27.6million plus £4.2 in add-ons offer on the table to the Ligue 1 side.

Tavolieri has also revealed that personal terms are almost finalised between the Toffees and Onana.

WOW

Where has this news come from?

Onana looked destined to end up at West Ham United after the Hammers entered talks with the Lille over a possible move to the London Stadium.

This is a pleasant surprise for Evertonians to see the club manage to draw a young talent from Europe to the project at Goodison Park.

The 20-year-old could well have wanted to work with Frank Lampard, with the former England midfielder’s illustrious playing career possibly a big attraction to Onana.

Now that the young Belgium international wants a move to Goodison Park, the club hierarchy cannot dither in their negotiations with Lille.

West Ham have had a bid accepted of around £33million, so the Toffees must cough up the extra money in order to land the midfielder.

The Daily Mail revealed (29 July) that Everton want Chelsea youngster Billy Gilmour on loan, but that should remain firmly on the backburner should a move for Onana gather pace.

The Lille midfielder would be a long-term asset at Goodison Park and is exactly the type of player Evertonians want to see the club going for.