“In the end, it was a matter of nuances,” Wirtz’s father and co-agent Hans-Joachim told Spiegel. “The decision ultimately had to do with the different sporting situations and Florian’s role. And financially, there weren’t any major differences between the two clubs anyway.”

Everton have reportedly stolen a march on rivals Liverpool and Bayern Munich as they close in on Lyon wonderkid Malick Fofana. The Merseyside club has submitted an official bid and entered direct negotiations with the French club,