Everton in pole position to land Swansea star

The rumor has been percolating in the tabloids for months, and as the summer transfer window approaches, it’s abundantly clear that one of Ronald Koeman’s top transfer targets is Swansea City’s Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Sky Sports, decidedly not a tabloid, is reporting today that the Blues will make a bid in the region of £25 million:

Sky Sports News HQ understands the Toffees are hoping to strike a deal in the region of £25m for the Iceland international.

Everton are likely to face competition from Southampton for the 27-year-old, whose current contract at Swansea runs until 2020.

Sigurdsson is enjoying one of the finest seasons of his career. The Icelander has 9 goals and 13 assists on an abjectly awful Swansea City side, and is perhaps the best available option to link up Everton’s excellent central midfield to their forwards.

In case you hadn’t heard, he’s not too bad standing over a dead ball, either:

via Paul Riley

Everton consistently struggle with good delivery from set plays. With Sigurdsson in the team, that would no longer be an issue.

Gylfi’s age may be a mild concern for any potential suitor, but given that he does not rely on pace or power to make an impact, Everton can afford to hand out a long term contract.

Here’s a look at how Ronald Koeman might set up his team with the 27 year old available for selection, other major players back from injury, and the likelihood that the club land their other top two targets.

The Blues need a creative midfielder, and Gylfi Sigurdsson deserves to be displaying his talents at a bigger club. It’s a perfect marriage. Can Everton push this deal over the line?