Everton make midfielder approach, Moise Kean deal edging closer, youngster set for new deal

Everton have made an approach to Southampton over a deal to sign Mario Lemina, but a deal remains some way off.

Daily Mail reporter Dominic King, who is known to have reliable Everton contacts, offered a mini transfer update on Wednesday as Everton look to get their transfer business done before next week’s deadline.

Lemina wants to leave Southampton this summer and the Saints are equally keen to sell, with the main sticking point likely to be the transfer fee.

The south coast club are keen to make a profit on the £15m they spent to bring Lemina from Juventus two years ago.

However, their hand is weakened by the fact the Gabon international has been vocal about his desire to move on this summer.

Manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has responded freezing by Lemina out of the first-team picture at St Mary’s, with the Southampton-based Daily Echo reporting that the Austrian has gone as far as taking away his place in the changing room at the club’s training ground.

Everton therefore are likely to use that as leverage when trying to push the price down, which may mean this deal goes all the way to the deadline.

Meanwhile, King also offered an update on Moise Kean. The Toffees are believed to have agreed a deal with Juventus on Tuesday with the Italy striker now set to fly to England for a medical.

Some foreign media reported the deal could be confirmed as early as Thursday but King seems to think the transfer won’t be finalised until the weekend.

He also revealed that academy graduate Nathan Broadhead is set for a new deal before being sent out on loan.

The Wales under-21 forward has featured heavily in pre-season but is unlikely to force his way into the senior team at present.

A loan therefore a loan makes perfect sense with Broadhead joining the likes of Jonjoe Kenny, Kieran Dowell and Josh Bowler in leaving the club on a temporary deal this summer.