Gomes close to permanent Everton deal - report

Cape Town - Barcelona midfielder Andre Gomes is reportedly on the verge of the joining English outfit Everton in a permanent deal worth around £22 million.

Gomes impressed during a season-long loan at Goodison Park in the last campaign and boss Marco Silva has been keen to bring him back on a permanent basis ever since, with talks taking place over the last few months.

The midfielder's performances also caught the eye of rival clubs, with Tottenham also known to be in the hunt, but it looks as though Everton have won the race for his signature and Gomes will be heading back to Merseyside.

Talks between Everton and Barca officials are said to have taken place on Monday when a deal was finally hammered out.

The Toffees are set to pay £22 million for the 25-year-old Portugal international, which represents something of a bargain for a player of his quality and experience.

Toffees fans will be hoping it is the first signing of many as Silva looks to reshape his squad over the summer.