Mainz’s Jean-Philippe Gbamin could reportedly have Everton medical on Thursday

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Everton are close to finalising a deal for Mainz midfielder Jean-Philippe Gbamin in the coming days, according to Sky Germany.

They report that a five-year deal for the 23-year-old is in the offing, with just a few details to be settled, and a medical could be completed as soon as tomorrow (Thursday).

The reported fee for Gbamin is 30 million euros (£27.5 million), most of which will likely come from the sale of Idrissa Gueye, who he will replace in the Toffees midfield.

There is apparently optimism on both sides that a deal will soon be completed, giving Marco Silva a younger defensive midfield option after the sale of Gueye to Paris Saint-Germain.

Everton have had plenty of time to prepare for Gueye’s departure given that PSG’s interest began in January and Gbamin looks to be the man they’ve settled on to replace him.

They’re essentially not making a profit from Gueye’s sale, but securing a younger option they hope can be offer more longevity than the former Aston Villa man.

Gueye’s role was so important in Everton’s midfield last season, with his energetic style allowing the more languid Andre Gomes to play deep in the engine room, and much of Gbamin’s success at Everton will depend on how well he can dovetail with the Portuguese and fellow new signing Fabian Delph.