Everton edging closer to Ronald Koeman after striking Southampton deal

Ronald Koeman is edging closer to becoming Everton manager, with contract discussions continuing after a deal was struck with Southampton.

The 53-year-old started negotiations about extending his stay at St Mary’s, having led Saints to their best Premier League finish in back-to-back seasons,.

However, Koeman is increasingly unlikely to see out the final season of his three-year deal as the former Barcelona defender edges closer to a move to Goodison Park. A compensation fee of around £5m (€6.4m) has been agreed, giving the Dutchman the green light to start talks about a move.

Discussions began on Monday and the details are being ironed out.

Assistant manager Erwin Koeman and first-team coach Jan Kluitenberg looks set to also swap the south coast for Merseyside, although first-team assistant coach Sammy Lee and goalkeeping coach Dave Watson could stay.

Everton are also understood to be keen to recruit Sevilla’s sporting director Monchi to undertake a similar role at Goodison Park once Koeman’s appointment has been confirmed.

The 53-year-old has helped make the Spanish club a significant profit in the transfer market during his 15-year spell in the job after securing top fees for players with untapped potential, while also contributing to five Europa League victories in the past decade.