Everton transfer latest on Idrissa Gueye, Michael Keane and Thierno Barry
Idrissa Gueye of Everton
Idrissa Gueye of Everton(Image: Tony McArdle/Everton FC Official Photography Library/SmartFrame)
Idrissa Gueye and Michael Keane are set to commit their future to Everton. The two players have been in talks with the club over extensions after their previous contracts expired this week.
Gueye was exceptional for the Blues last season, winning both the Players' and supporters' Player of the Year awards. Securing the future of the veteran midfielder will be key for David Moyes as the club move into the new Hill Dickinson Stadium and undergo a significant turnover in playing staff.
Keane, who signed for Everton in 2017, is also set to continue his long association with the club. The defender fell behind Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski and Jake O'Brien in the centre-back pecking order last season, although he returned to the team late on in the campaign to perform well in wins over Fulham and Newcastle United.
After weeks of negotiations, the ECHO now understands - as first reported by The Athletic - that contracts are now close to being finalised for both players.
Securing the future of two experienced figures will follow the news that Branthwaite is staying at Everton for the long-term.
The 23-year-old has agreed a new deal with the club until 2030, which was confirmed on Wednesday morning (July 2).
The centre-back was the subject of two bids from Manchester United last summer that were rejected by Everton. Tottenham Hotspur had also shown interest in him during the early stages of this window, while there were also links to Chelsea.
However, Branthwaite signed up for five more years with the Toffees in what is considered to be a major statement of intent from new owners The Friedkin Group.
Everton also remain in talks with Villarreal over a deal for French youth international Thierno Barry.
The striker scored 11 times in La Liga last season and played a key role in the team eventually qualifying for the Champions League.
Barry has a £34 million release clause in his contract at Villarreal, although reports in Spain have suggested the structure of the deal will see Everton pay an initial £27.5million, with a potential £5million more in add-ons.
Everton had also verbally agreed terms Kenny Tete, although the right-back decided to sign a new contract with current club Fulham.