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.”
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