LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of the corner flag at Goodison Park before the Premier League match between Everton and Norwich City at Goodison Park on September 25, 2021 in Liverpool, England.. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
EVERTON
Fulham in advanced talks to sign Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi
Fulham are accelerating their efforts to sign Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi, with Joao Palhinha attracting interest from Bayern Munich.
Sky Sports correspondent Dharmesh Sheth reports that the Cottagers are in advanced talks with their Premier League counterparts over a permanent deal.
Iwobi has just 12 months left on his agreement with Everton and reportedly has no plans to extend his stay at Goodison Park any further.
His reluctance to pledge his allegiance to the Toffees has weakened their negotiating position, and Fulham look primed to finalise a deal for the Nigerian midfielder before tomorrow’s deadline.
Fulham and Everton are locked in negotiations, with the subject of the conversation centring around the finances and structure of a fee required to finalise a deal.
Iwobi is reportedly enthusiastic about embarking on a new chapter in his career and will welcome a chance to join the Cottagers.
Although there is yet to be an understanding on personal terms between Fulham and the Nigerian international, it is believed an agreement will not be a concern with the player keen on the move.
Iwobi’s imminent departure from Merseyside will come as a huge blow to Everton, as his creativity played a key role in their relegation battle last season.
The 27-year-old was not the goalscoring machine the Toffees needed, but he was an important figure in the squad, and his two goals and eight assists spurred Sean Dyche’s side to survival.
A move to Fulham will see the Nigerian return to London for the first time since departing his boyhood club, Arsenal, in the summer of 2019.
Meanwhile, Iwobi could be replacing Palhinha in Marco Silva’s squad, with the Cottagers braced for a mega bid from German champions Bayern.
The Bundesliga heavyweights have set their sights on the Portuguese holding midfielder, and Fulham may be powerless to stop their midfield enforcer from securing a late departure.
Although there is no official bid from Bayern, Palhinha has emerged as a priority for Thomas Tuchel and could be lining up for the Bavarians when the transfer window closes.
