Andre Gomes could seal a permanent move to Everton as early as Wednesday.
Gomes spent last season on loan at Goodison Park from Barcelona and was hoped to become a long-term fixture in Marco Silva’s plans from next season.
Premier League rivals Tottenham and West Ham had both been in the hunt for the Portugal international but the latter dropped their interest earlier this month.
The Hammers instead signed Pablo Fornals from Villarreal, allowing Everton to run unopposed in their efforts to make Gomes a permanent capture.
And reports in Spain suggest that the deal could be finalised in the coming days with Mundo Deportivo claiming it could happen as soon as Wednesday.
Gomes’ transfer fee is expected to fall in the region of €25 million (£23.3m).
It would also take spending by Everton on Barca players in the past 12 months to over £66m, following last summer’s arrivals of Yerry Mina and Lucas Digne.