---
title: "Koeman turns attention to Iceland ace"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/koeman-turns-attention-iceland-ace/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Alex Hives"
section: "Everton News"
published: "2016-07-21T21:55:29Z"
modified: "2016-07-21T21:57:11Z"
---

# Koeman turns attention to Iceland ace

Ronald Koeman is eyeing up Swansea’s star man Gylfi Sigurðsson in a £25m swoop, [according to the Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2016/07/21/everton-line-up-a-25-million-bid-for-gylfi-sigurdsson/).

Everton are looking for alternatives after a deal for Zenit’s Belgian international Axel Witsel could not be reached due to insurmountable disagreements over personal terms.

Sigurðsson, who was a key part of the Iceland team that shocked the world by knocking England out of the Euros, looks to have been swiftly identified by new director of football Steve Walsh as a key target.

Walsh, who has been credited with the discovery and development of players ranging from Gianfranco Zola to Jamie Vardy, appears to see the same ability in the 26-year old, who has been a premier league mainstay since his initial loan move to Swansea back in 2012. He has had a spell at Tottenham, which was largely underwhelming as he netted 8 goals over the course of 2 seasons with Spurs, but then found himself revitalised as he returned to the Swans for the 14/15 season and lit up the league once again.

Everton are being widely reported to be desperately wanting to strengthen the midfield in particular following the releases of both Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar, who between them clocked up 513 appearances for the Blues, and had been at the club for a decade.

This move could be the jumpstart Everton need to push on in the window, only adding ex-Fulham keeper Maarten Stekelenburg to the ranks so far in the window, which is nearing the end of its third week.