Leon Britton thinks Everton will grab their man this summer and is effectively urging the club to plan for life without the Icelandic international in what has been one of the transfer sagas of the summer.

Everton have been linked with a move for the player for most of the close season but are yet to strike a deal with the Swans who in turn have left Gylfi out of most of their pre-season games and restricted his involvement to training only.

"Transfer speculation" is the reason cited every time we hear that Gylfi is being left out as the Swans hold out for their £50m valuation of the player - a figure that Everton are yet to match.

Whether they eventually do meet that valuation remains to be seen as normally in these circumstances the deal tends to be struck at a slightly lower level with add-ons built in but it does seem that maybe we are planning for his departure with Britton knowing that we have to replace him with quality.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday, the midfielder said: "His stats last year in terms of assists and goals, you'd think he'd be playing for one of the clubs in the top half of the table.

"He's a big influence in the top end of the pitch for us, but unfortunately the club we're at, Swansea, when the bigger teams come calling it is hard to keep him.

"The club have stood firm. By all accounts they've said they want £50m. I don't know if it's going to get done. I think Everton have maybe offered £40-45m so I think there'll be some movement now and Gylfi will go.

"If he does go, it's vitally important that we replace him with the same quality, as much as we can

"You never know, things can change overnight so you live in hope that he will stay. but Everton have bid a lot of money before and you'd think they're not too far away from it."

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