Fans have been sent into meltdown after Amadou Onana agreed personal terms with a Premier League rival.
As per the Athletic's David Ornstein, Aston Villa are in the process of finalising an agreement with Everton to sign Onana.
A deal said to be in the region of £50million is close to being completed, while personal terms have reportedly been agreed between Villa and the 22-year-old Belgium international on a long term contract.
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Unai Emery has allegedly identified Onana as a key target ahead of the club's Champions League campaign next term, while the player is thought to be
enthusiastic about playing for the Spaniard and his team.
Onana has become a central player for Everton, having made 72 appearances for the Toffees since joining from Lille for an initial £30million in 2022, including 37 last term in all competitions,
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The French outfit are allegedly entitled to 20 per cent of the profit made on any sale.
Manchester United, Arsenal and Newcastle United had all previously been linked with an interest in the midfielder while Bayern Munich and Barcelona are also said be admirers.
Villa have signed two central midfielders this summer - Enzo Barrenechea from Juventus and Ross Barkley from Luton Town - while Douglas Luiz has departed for Juventus and Tim Iroegbunam has moved to Everton.
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Fans were quick to respond to the transfer on social media.
One person said: "Aston Villa is not playing around, ambitious signing."
Another added: "Villa I wasn’t familiar with your game…"
A third said: "Out of nowhere. Amazing signing for Villa."
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A fourth added: "This is mad. Branthwaite deal even more difficult now."
While a fifth wrote: "ASTON VILLA ARE SERIOUS."
Topics: Everton, Transfer News, Premier League, Football, Fan Reactions
Chris Byfield