Everton have had a £27million offer for Gylfi Sigurdsson from Premier League rivals Swansea rejected, according to ESPN.
The sports news outlet claims that sources close to the Welsh side have confirmed that Everton have made an official bid for the 27-year-old but it has been declined.
This follows up from the story in the Liverpool Echo which reported that the Merseyside club must pay a club record fee of £40million in order to secure the signature of the midfielder this summer.
It is understood that the Sigurdsson is interested in playing European football next season despite stating that he has no intention of leaving the club last month.
The Toffees have shown that they are ready to spend some money in this transfer window as they have already completed the signings of goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and midfielder Davy Klaassen for more than £50million.
The Iceland international was in sublime form last season as he contributed with 10 goals and 13 assists in 40 appearances in all competitions.
Sigurdsson actually scored against Everton in the 1-1 league draw at Goodison Park last November.
The midfielder’s outstanding performances helped Swansea avoid relegation as they secured a 15th place finish, seven points clear of the bottom three.
Sigurdsson’s current contract at the Liberty Stadium runs out in 2020 and he signed an extension only last summer.
The player has been quoted as saying that he has no desire to leave unless Swansea want to sell him.