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- Onana’s move strengthens Everton’s case for keeping highly-rated Branthwaite
Aston Villa are on the verge of signing Belgian midfielder Amadou Onana from Everton on a deal worth around £50million, which hands a significant blow to Manchester United’s attempts to sign young Toffees defender Jarrad Branthwaite.
Mail Sport reported six weeks ago that Onana, 22, was strongly likely to leave this summer – and it appears that reality is edging closer as Champions League-bound Villa have agreed personal terms with the midfielder and had a bid accepted – though a deal is not done yet.
Villa have held a longstanding interest in Onana. Other clubs, such as Arsenal and Manchester United, were keen but never stepped up their pursuits. The Gunners made contact over a deal in May but never followed up with an offer.
Onana’s move severely strengthens Everton’s case for keeping highly-wanted defender Branthwaite.
The Toffees have rebuffed two attempts from Manchester United to sign the 22-year-old – the latest offer was £45m – and value him between £70m to £80m.
The money Everton will pocket from selling Onana will steer them to a safer position in terms of profit and sustainability rules after falling foul of these guidelines twice in the last year. Onana’s former club Lille will be entitled to a sell-on clause.
Onana will be Villa’s third midfield addition this summer after themselves being forced to cash in on Douglas Luiz, who joined Juventus.
Unai Emery’s men have also signed Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus and Ross Barkley from Luton, plus fellow former Everton man Lewis Dobbin.
Meanwhile, Everton are in talks with Tottenham about an amended agreement for Dele Alli. The former England star joined the Toffees in 2022 and, as part of the agreement, Everton were obliged to pay Spurs £10m when he played 20 times for the club.
The 28-year-old has ended up only playing 13 times for the Goodison Park outfit after missing the entirety of last season with multiple injury woes.
Everton boss Sean Dyche is a big fan of Alli’s, though, and they are pitching to help rebuild his career if a new deal can be agreed upon.
Aston Villa are set to sign Everton‘s Amadou Onana in a shock transfer worth £50 million.
Unai Emery‘s side are believed to have secured their ‘key target’ in signing the highly-rated Belgian midfielder.
Personal terms have reportedly been agreed between Villa and the 22-year-old on a long-term contract, the Athletic report.
Their sale is likely to ‘all-but end’ any chance of Everton selling Jarrad Branthwaite to Man United this summer, barring a huge bid similar to the price of Harry Maguire or Joško Gvardiol.
A number of top European clubs have reported their interest in signing Onana, such as Barcelona and Man United.