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Axel Witsel to Everton: Toffees agree fee to sign wantaway Zenit Saint Petersburg midfielder

Toffees fight off challenge from top European sides to land £25million Belgian after he handed in transfer request

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EVERTON have taken a huge step closer to landing transfer target Axel Witsel after agreeing a fee with Zenit Saint Petersburg.

According to , Ronald Koeman is set to make his first major summer signing after a £25.1million bid was accepted by the Russian side.

Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel is also being lined up by Stoke
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Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel impressed at Euro 2016Credit: Getty Images
Witsel starred for Zenit last season but wants to leave, with Italy now his preferred destination
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Zenit St Petersburg paid £34m for Witsel in 2012Credit: Demotix Images

Everton look to have beaten two Italian sides and one other Premier League rival to his signature after Zenit boss Mircea Lucescu revealed that four offers had been made for the 27-year-old.

"He has spoken with the club and he has asked to leave," Lucescu told .

"He has two offers from Italy and two from England."

Everton boss Ronald Koeman is hoping to make Witsel his first major signing
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Everton boss Ronald Koeman is hoping to make Witsel his first major signingCredit: PA:Press Association
Axel Witsel could be on his way to big-spending Milan
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Witsel has handed in a transfer request

Inter Milan and Napoli were thought to be the two Serie A sides interested in signing Witsel but the duo are unable to match the wages Everton are able to offer - a whopping £100,000-a-week.

Despite Belgium's disappointing showing at Euro 2016, Witsel was one of their standout performers scoring one goal and playing every minute before being knocked out to Wales.

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