The transfer saga surrounding Axel Witsel's proposed move to Everton has taken yet another twist following contrasting reports in Italy.
Reported by the Echo, Calciomercatoweb believe that a fee has been agreed between Everton and Witsel's club Zenit St Petersburg.
Meanwhile, the news outlet also report that La Gazetta Dello Sport claim the Toffees are no closer to the signing of their long-term target.
Instead it suggests that Italian giants Inter Milan have entered the race for the Belgium midfielder's signature.
New Everton boss Ronald Koeman has been allowed to flex the Merseyside club's financial muscles following Farhad Moshiri's takeover at Goodison Park, with Witsel a primary transfer target.
Witsel has been linked with a move to Everton throughout the summer, with Koeman previouslyadmitting to@sportsigningsthat a move for the midfielder was possible.
Obtained Koeman autographs this afternoon-obliging as ever. Any new signings, Mata or Witzel? "Yes it is possible!" pic.twitter.com/RvCBwYXQvt
A fee believed to be in the region of £20m has reportedly beenagreed for the 27-year-old in a dealthat would see Witsel collect £4m a year in wages.
The Toffees will be keen to announce the signing of Witsel after having released veterans Tony Hibbert and Leon Osman earlier this summer, leaving the playing squad short.
It would appear, however, that if Everton are to secure the services ofthe Zenit man then they may be required to pay over the odds following Inter Milan's rumoured interest.
Previously Witsel has been linked with a potential move to Italian side Napoli, but talks appeared to have stalled, leaving the San Siro outfit to enter the race under the radar.
The man who arrived in Russia following a £33m transfer from Benfica in 2012 appears to be one of the hottest properties on the continent this year.
With over a month to go in this summer's transfer window, this one appears set to go the distance.