Jean-Philippe Gbamin is on the verge of leaving Mainz 05 to join Everton, according to German reports.
Gbamin is expected to go through a medical on Thursday before completing a €30 million including bonuses transfer.
The 23-year-old, who can play as a defensive midfielder and in central defence, has made 95 appearances for Mainz with three goals and four assists to his name.
Last summer, Mainz 05 rejected a bid exceeding €26 million from Borussia Dortmund with Mainz 05 Sporting Director Rouven Schroeder insisting “Jean-Philippe will stay. Jean-Philippe is not on the market. We too have some ambitions, and he’s a big part of our plans for the new season.”
However, concluding the 2018/19 season, Gbamin himself told bild “This summer can be different. The club know that I want to take the next step now. I hope that I can leave” before adding England to be his preferred destination.
The player’s agent Bernard Collignon commented on rumours last week telling Le Parisie: “Jean-Philippe is seduced by the idea of joining Everton.
“To join a club in England who are near the top of table would be a very beautiful opportunity at a very good time.”