Everton are on the verge of wrapping up the signing of Michael Keane.
The Burnley defender had previously attracted the attention of both Liverpool and former club Manchester United as he gained senior recognition with England.
But United’s successful pursuit of Victor Lindelof from Benfica has allowed the Blues to become favourites to secure Keane’s services in the coming days.
A £25 million deal is close to being struck, a club-record fee for Burnley, and could be concluded in time for the start of Everton’s pre-season training.
Ronald Koeman is looking to complete the capture of Keane before his squad report back for duty as USM Finch Farm on Monday.
United will receive a 25% cut of the transfer fee due to a sell-on clause agreed when the 24-year-old moved to Turf Moor in 2015.
That likely arrival will see Everton’s summer spending over the £75m mark, with Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez’s arrival also set to be announced shortly.
Koeman’s attention will now turn to a deal for Gylfi Sigurdsson despite Swansea’s refusal to part with last season’s player of the year.