Everton could sign André Gomes for less than expected

*UPDATE*

Multiple Spanish media sources are reporting that the Gomes transfer will be announced on Wednesday.

Everton’s pursuit of Barcelona midfielder André Gomes could cost them roughly just £20.5 million, according to reports.

Gomes, who spent the 2018-19 on loan with the Blues, looks destined to return to Goodison Park this summer on a permanent basis, with Spanish publication Sport suggesting last week that the finishing touches were being put to a deal.

Last week reports from Spain said that Everton were apparently holding out for Barcelona to drop the price the player, leading to the customary eye-rolling and groaning from the fanbase, but turns out Marcel Brands knew exactly what he was doing all along.

And while initial reports suggested the Portuguese midfielder would cost Everton somewhere between £25 - 30 million, the press in Catalonia are suggesting he will come cheaper than that, according to journalist Paul Brown:

Gomes became a fan favourite in his time at Goodison, forming a strong partnership in central midfield with Idrissa Gueye, and his signing will likely be well-received by the vast majority of Everton’s fan base.

It looks set to be another busy summer for the Toffees, with a number of players, including Chelsea centre-back Kurt Zouma, 24, and Ajax forward David Neres, 22, linked with moves to Merseyside.

Zouma, like Gomes, enjoyed a successful loan spell at Everton in 2018-19, while Neres was one of the stars of Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-finals, scoring in their 4-1 at Real Madrid in March.