Ademola Lookman edging to £25million RB Leipzig move

RB Leipzig have made a fourth offer of around £25m for Everton’s want-away Ademola Lookman.

The German’s have had two bids rejected and a third of £22m last Sunday met with a counter proposal from Everton demanding £28m plus add ons.

Leipzig hope Everton will be willing to compromise and that their improved bid, a record fee for the Bundesliga outfit, will finally be enough to see them land their man.

Forward Lookman, 20, has been left out of Everton’s squad for Saturday’s trip to Bournemouth with his exit understood to be imminent.

The Toffees initially declared Lookman not for sale when the issue of his future was first discussed this summer.

But they have changed their minds following the arrivals of Richarlison and Bernard and especially the early displays of the former, who has scored three times in his first two appearances.

With the Brazilian duo added to the squad Lookman’s playing time would be further reduced and Everton fear his value will only fall if he remains at Goodison Park but is given minimal playing time.

New sporting director Marcel Brands has proved to be a tough negotiator in the deal by making sure Everton will receive a fee well above Lookman’s current market value and the £11m deal they struck when they signed him from Charlton in January 2017.

Brands is also ensuring Everton are well-rewarded if Lookman does well in Germany by insisting on a number of performance-related bonuses in the deal.

Lookman made a dream start to Everton career when when he scored with his first shot for the club on a fairytale debut, a 4-0 win against Manchester City.

But his Everton experience turned sour under Sam Allardyce last season, prompting him to force a loan move to Leipzig in the second half of the campaign.

The signings of Richarlison and Bernard have all but confirmed his fears about his prospects at Everton.

And, having reiterated his desire to leave this week, boss Marco Silva has now accepted that it is best for all concerned if Lookman is allowed to leave.