Aston Villa are nearing a deal to sign Everton midfielder Amadou Onana, according to a report.

Onana, 22, has attracted interest from several top European clubs over the past year, including Arsenal and eintracht frankfurt. However, The Athletic reports that Villa are close to securing his signature for around £50 million, with personal terms already agreed. Onana is reportedly eager to join Villa under manager Unai Emery and challenge himself in the Champions League next season.

Lille, Onana’s former club, are entitled to 20% of the profit from Everton’s sale, amounting to approximately £4 million.

Villa has been proactive in the transfer market this summer as they prepare for Champions League football. They have signed Ross Barkley and Enzo Barrenechea to strengthen their midfield, following Douglas Luiz’s move to Juventus. Villa also secured Samuel Iling Junior from the same deal alongside Barrenechea, and brought in Lewis Dobbin from Everton. Additionally, they exercised buy-back clauses for Cameron Archer from Sheffield United and positioned themselves ahead in the race for Hull City winger Jaden Philogene.

While Villa had shown interest in Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher, they opted to pursue Onana to bolster their midfield.