Koeman backs Sigurdsson to boost Everton attack

This file photo taken on February 05, 2017 shows Swansea City's Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson applauding supporters after the English Premier League football match between Manchester City and Swansea City at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, north west England. Iceland midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson is due to complete a £45 million ($58m, 49.4m euros) move to Everton from Premier League rivals Swansea City later on August16, 2017, after he passed a medical, Everton manager Ronald Koeman announced.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman said he expects Gylfi Sigurdsson to boost the club’s goal-scoring options after the attacking-midfielder completed his medical before he transfers from Swansea City.

Sigurdsson will move to Goodison Park after the two clubs agreed a fee of about 45 million pounds ($57.84 million), a record for Everton, according to the British media.

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The 27-year-old played a key part in Swansea’s avoiding relegation last season, scoring nine goals and 13 assists.

“The latest is that he had his medical this morning. What I heard from the doctor was no problem,” Koeman told a news conference before the Europa League first-leg playoff against Croatian side Hajduk Split on Thursday.

“We worked a long time to get this deal in and he was one of the key players to bring in. We knew would lose Lukaku for this season and we need players who bring productivity to the team.

Romelu Lukaku moved to Manchester United last month, for a reported transfer fee of 75 million pounds.

Sigurdsson “is the type of player with a lot of productivity, Koeman said. “In my opinion, he is one of the best in the Premier League.”

The manager also confirmed he is still waiting to find out the extent of a hamstring injury midfielder Ross Barkley suffered in training last week.

Barkley, who is in the final year of his contract, refused a new deal at the club and Koeman said last month he would be sold in the current transfer window.

“He stopped training last Monday,” Koeman said. “It looks like a hamstring injury, but he needs to do more tests today and tomorrow to know exactly what the injury is.”

Following their Europa League encounter at Goodison Park, Everton visit Manchester City in the league on Monday.