Everton are closing in on a deal for Spanish striker Sandro Ramirez.

We revealed in early May that The Toffees were heading the chase for the 21-year-old and I understand they are ready to offer him a huge pay packet to make the move to Goodison Park.

Everton clearly see Ramirez as the perfect replacement for Romelu Lukaku – who is set to leave the club this summer and return to his former club Chelsea.

Ramirez was high on the agenda of a host of clubs last summer when he departed Barcelona, with Tottenham very keen at the time – but the player decided to remain in Spain with Malaga, where he bagged 14 goals and finished as one of the top-scoring Spaniards in La Liga.

Ramirez has now hugely in-demand, no thanks to his release clause which is just over £5million.

Tottenham, who showed an interest before, Liverpool, Southampton, Newcastle and West Ham have all made contact about above, as well as the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Marseille.

However, Everton are in pole position and sources close to the club believe they are close to finalising a deal.

We spoke to BetVictor’s Head of antepost Football Michael Triffitt about the prospect of Ramirez moving to Everton.

“Malaga forward Sandro Ramirez was expected to sign for Atletico Madrid in the Summer transfer window but with that club now under an embargo he is attracting attention elsewhere,” he told TheGamblingTimes.com.

“Reports are emerging that he is in talks with Everton and the Blue half of Merseyside are 2/5 from 4/to land this exciting player.”

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