Everton reportedly have opening Jean-Philippe Gbamin bid rejected by Mainz

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Everton must p ay 30 million euros (£27.5 million) to land versatile target Jean-Philippe Gbamin from Mainz, according to Sky in Germany.

They report that the Toffees have had an opening offer of 25 million euros (£23.5 million) rejected for the 23-year-old, who is fresh from African Cup of Nations duty with the Ivory Coast.

But if they up their bid by £4.5 million, they’ll get the man who can be a replacement for Idrissa Gueye, following his move to Paris Saint-Germain, but can also play in central defence as well.

Everton played Mainz at the weekend and although Gbamin didn’t play because he was still on a break following his summer exploits, perhaps talks moved forward there.

Everton need to crack on with their transfer business and are now armed with an improved war-chest following the departure of Gueye, which should allow them to source a younger replacement.

Gbamin fits the bill on that score, and the valuations of the clubs are not so far apart that a deal cannot get over the line.

Plenty will depend on how well he can adjust to the demands of the Premier League because Gueye’s aggressive style and constant interceptions became a huge part of how Marco Silva’s side protected their defence last term.