Everton still confident of signing Ramirez despite Real Madrid talk

Everton are still confident of signing Malaga striker Sandro Ramirez despite reports suggesting Real Madrid have hi-jacked the deal, reports The Independent.

Ronald Koeman’s side are the favourites to sign the former Barcelona striker ahead of Atletico Madrid and are waiting for the U21 European Championships to finish before finalising the transfer.

Ramirez only joined Malaga from boyhood club Barcelona last summer but the Spanish side are powerless in keeping the 21-year-old due to the fact he has a measly £5.1m release clause in his existing deal.

Everton agreed personal terms with Ramirez over a month ago but the deal was suddenly thrown into doubt when it was claimed on Spanish radio station Onda Cero on Tuesday night that Madrid had suddenly come in and agreed personal terms with the striker.

Coincidentally, Madrid president Florentino Perez was live on another radio station at the time and denied any knowledge of an agreement between the club and the Spaniard.

Ramirez’s devotion to Barcelona, coupled with the fact he left his boyhood club for regular first-team football made the suggestions appear a non-starter and Everton remain in pole position.

Only three Spanish players scored more goals in La Liga last season than Ramirez (14).

For more stats on Sandro Ramirez, click here to visit his WhoScored player page