Report: Everton likely to sign Sigurdsson despite rejected £40M bid

Gylfi Sigurdsson has withdrawn from Swansea City's pre-season tour of the United States, with big spender Everton reportedly determined to sign the Icelandic international before next week.

The Toffees' second and improved bid of £40 million for Sigurdsson was rejected by the Swans, according to the Guardian, but there is optimism a deal can be done.

Sigurdsson, who is valued by his current employer at £50 million, informed Swansea he "did not feel in the right frame of mind" to travel with the team to the U.S. "due to the current uncertainty over his future," the club said on Twitter.

Having spent nearly £100 million this summer, Everton has emerged as the summer's most ambitious Premier League suitor.

Various reports indicate Leicester City also had a £40-million proposal rejected, but Ronald Koeman's persistence in signing the creative midfielder has apparently put Everton in an advantageous position.

Despite their fierce pursuit of Sigurdsson, Swansea manager Paul Clement emphasised the club's will to keep the Reykjavik native, who helped his side stave off relegation last season with nine goals and 13 assists.

However, Clement felt the same way about midfielder Jack Cork before relenting and allowing the versatile player to join Burnley.

"I've made it very clear I want (Sigurdsson) to stay here," the former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid assistant said. "The fans want that, the owners would like that, but ultimately, there's a business side to football as well."