Gylfi Sigurdsson on verge of a move to Goodison Park

Iceland midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson is due to complete a £45 million move to Everton from Premier League rivals Swansea later on Wednesday if he passes a medical, British media reported.

The 27-year-old, due to sign a five year contract worth £100,000 a week, would be Everton’s record signing, topping the £31.8m they paid Chelsea for Romelu Lukaku in 2014.

Sigurdsson, who played a pivotal role in Swansea retaining their Premier League status last term after scoring nine goals and creating 13, pulled out of their pre-season tour to the United States and was not included in the squad for last weekend’s 0-0 draw with Southampton.

Rafael Benitez’s frustration at missing out on several transfer targets abated a little as Spanish striker Joselu on Wednesday agreed a move to Newcastle United from Stoke City.The 27-year-old, who scored just four times for Stoke in 27 appearances, cost Newcastle a reported £5 million and signed a three year contract.

Ilkay Gundogan made his first appearance in eight months for Manchester City on Tuesday when he came on as a second-half substitute against Girona in a friendly in Spain.

The German midfielder, who suffered knee ligament damage against Watford last December, could be in contention for a place in the squad for Monday’s home tie against Everton.

Girona beat City 1-0, with the 26-year-old coming on as a substitute in the 71st minute. Alexis Sanchez and Arsenal remain at an impasse over new contract talks, manager Arsene Wenger said on Wednesday.

“He (Sanchez) is a player who goes into the final year of his contract. We have not progressed on that front,” said Wenger on Wednesday.

“Let’s not be wrong, it’s not an ideal situation on the financial side and it demands some sacrifice.

“But first of all it doesn’t mean the players who are in the final year of their contract will not extend their contract.