Everton agree deal for Southampton manager Koeman — reports

London (AFP) – Everton have agreed a deal to hire Southampton manager Ronald Koeman, according to British media reports on Tuesday.

Koeman is Everton’s top choice to succeed Roberto Martinez, who was sacked just before the end of the Premier League campaign, and the Dutchman is now on the verge of sealing his switch to Goodison Park.

According to the BBC, Everton will pay around £5 million ($7.2 million) to Southampton to secure Koeman’s services, with the deal expected to be confirmed by Wednesday.

After leading Southampton to impressive seventh and then sixth place finishes in the Premier League, former Ajax and Feyenoord boss Koeman has been lured to Everton by the promise of over £100 million for new signings.

The Daily Mail said Koeman had been offered a contract worth £7 million per season as underachieving Everton begin to splash out following the investment of Iranian billionaire Farhad Moshiri.

Under the 53-year-old, Southampton booked a place in next season’s Europa League, while Everton finished a disappointing 11th in the Premier League amid fan protests at Martinez’s failure to deliver on his promise of Champions League qualification.

Koeman, a former Barcelona and Netherlands defender, is currently on holiday but could be unveiled to the media next week once the move is completed.