Ronald Koeman urges Everton board to get Gylfi Sigurdsson deal over the line as Swansea hold out on £50million fee
Toffees have twice been rejected in their bids for Iceland playmaker but Koeman hopes it will be third time lucky
RONALD KOEMAN has urged the Everton board to get a deal for Gylfi Sigurdsson over the line.
Swansea on Tuesday rejected a second Toffees bid of £45million for the Iceland playmaker.
The Welsh club turned down a £40m offer earlier this month - and are holding out on a fee closer to £50m.
Everton struggled to a 1-0 win over Slovakian side Ruzomberok last night, highlighting their need for a creative spark.
When asked about the Merseysiders' latest bid for Sigurdsson, 27, Koeman said: "That’s up to the board.
"Everyone knows our offer for the player but I don’t decide financial terms. It’s up to the board to get an agreement with Swansea."
Former Tottenham star Sigurdsson would replace Ross Barkley should he get a move to Goodison Park.
Koeman has confirmed Barkley, 23, has played his last game for Everton after rejecting a new contract.
Gylfi Sigurdsson factfile
- Born in Reykjavik, Iceland in September 1989
- Signed for Reading on a scholarship in 2005 before earning professional contract two years later
- Had loan spells at Shrewsbury and Crewe
- Joined Hoffenheim in 2010 before spending time on loan at Swansea two years later
- Earned a £8.8m move to Tottenham under Andre Villas-Boas
- Moved back to Swansea in 2014
- Won Swansea's Player of the Season for the last two years
- Six-time Icelandic Footballer of the Year
Everton transfer news
The Toffees, who are yet to replace Romelu Lukaku following his £75m Manchester United move, fell short in front of goal last night.
Ultimately, left-back Leighton Baines scored a deflected winner to spare his manager's blushes.
Koeman used the opportunity to remind the Everton board of his need for a new forward.
He said: "We know we like to sign another striker.
"With Sandro we have a No9 and normally you have two in the squad.
"We are looking for the best option and I am really confident we can bring in a good one who makes the team even stronger."
