Gyfli Sigurdsson 'not far away' from Everton deal, reveals Swansea boss Paul Clement as he explains why midfielder didn't play Southampton

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Paul Clement has revealed Gyfli Sigurdsson is now ‘not far away’ from leaving Swansea City for Everton in a deal worth close to £50million.

Sigurdsson was left out of Saturday’s 0-0 draw at Southampton while Swansea wait on a move that their manager says is getting ‘closer’.

Everton are yet to agree a fee for the Icelandic playmaker, having offered around £40m — some way under the asking price — but Swansea want the saga over as soon as possible so they can move on to other targets.

‘Nothing's going to be certain until the situation with Sigurdsson is certain,’ Clement said. 

Gyfli Sigurdsson is close to joining Everton, Swansea manager Paul Clement has admitted

Clement left Sigurdsson out of his side as Swansea began the season away at Southampton

Sigurdsson's creativity was missed in a 0-0 draw but Clement defended his selection decision

‘The clubs have not agreed so there's a difference in opinion on the value of the player but I don't think it's far away. I get the sense it's closer.’

When asked about the decision to leave Sigurdsson out of a side that lacked creativity from midfield at St Mary’s, Clement added: ‘You're potentially playing a player who might be physically well and might say that he'll play, but what's the motivation like?

‘The other thing is in this period, if the player gets injured in a full throttle Premier League game, any potential deal is gone.

‘The decision was made between me, the player and the club that it was the wisest thing to do. I want the best players available.’

Everton’s offer this week was believed to be worth more than £40m, with add-ons, but Swansea still believe they can force more from the deal.

Clement’s side face Manchester United next up in the Premier League, in a 12.30pm kick-off at the Liberty Stadium next Saturday.

 Clement said an agreement with Everton was 'not far away' and he didn't want to risk an injury

Swansea want £50m for Sigurdsson, while Everton value him at £40m. A compromise is likely