Everton close to signing Idrissa Gueye

Football journalist Simon Phillips expects the Everton move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye to go ahead over the coming days.

The lowdown: Reunion on the cards

Originally signed from Aston Villa for £7.65million, Gueye was nothing short of a revelation on Merseyside during his time with the Toffees.

The 32-year-old Senegal stalwart amassed 107 appearances for the Blues before completing a £30million switch to French giants PSG, where he has won two Ligue 1 titles, two French Cups and one French League Cup, all to go alongside an Africa Cup of Nations winners medal earned earlier this year.

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Now, following days of speculation linking Gueye with a return to Goodison Park, one well-informed journalist has suggested that the deal is edging ever closer…

The latest: ‘Multiple sources’

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Phillips claimed that ‘multiple sources’ are tipping the 94-cap star to return to Everton.

He said: “The general consensus is now that multiple sources are saying that will happen. I think that’s a good move. He knows Everton, he knows the staff there, he knows the stadium, he knows the area; over 100 appearances for Everton previously.

“So, I think bringing him back into the midfield, which is what Lampard really wants as a priority, he wants midfielders, so I think that’d be a really good signing.”

This follows with claims from Alan Myers, who said earlier this week the deal is ‘on track’.

The verdict: Fingers crossed

Adding some much-needed steel to Frank Lampard’s midfield options will undoubtedly be a welcome boost ahead of the new season, particularly given Allan’s continued links with a move away.

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Despite his advancing years, last season, Gueye produced a masterclass against Premier League champions-elect Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League group stage, scoring ‘brilliantly‘, winning seven duels and making two clearances in a 7.80 Sofascore rated display at the Parc des Princes in September – illustrating his ability at the elite level.

He seems to have added some end product to his game, scoring four times for PSG last season, even drawing praise for his ‘absolutely superb‘ shooting in a clash against Montpellier.

Still holding an estimated market value of £10.8million and in the final 12 months of a contract (Transfermarkt), the fee required to bring the Senegalese workhorse back to Everton should be no problem for Everton, which is probably just as well given the ace’s current £99,000-per-week wages (Salary Sport).

Well known to the Blues faithful, Gueye – who was dubbed a ‘monster’ by ex-Villa boss Tim Sherwood – should have no problems settling back into life at Goodison and therefore can be expected to hit the ground running should the deal happen as expected.