Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has explained why he has agreed to sell forward Jaden Philogene to the Blues only six months after re-signing the 22-year-old from Hull City.
Philogene’s move to the Blues from Villa is expected to be confirmed today, the clubs having agreed a fee of £20 million plus add-ons yesterday and the player a four-and-a-half-year deal.
Emery, who brought Philogene back to Villa Park in the summer a year after selling him to the Tigers for £5 million, says he remains a fan of the England U21 international despite allowing him to join the Blues.
"I explained it, I believe in Jaden Philogene, but we are, of course, always trying to get the best for the club, for the squad, the team and the players,” he said. "If he is leaving, it is because it is good for those three options.”
Philogene made only three starts - two in the Premier League - and 11 sub appearances for Villa.
Elsewhere, Everton have sacked manager Sean Dyche and his staff, Ian Woan, Steve Stone, Mark Howard and Billy Mercer.
U18s coach Leighton Baines and club captain Seamus Coleman have been put in charge on an interim basis while the Toffees search for a new boss.
Everton are currently 16th in the Premier League, two places and one point ahead of the Blues having played a game fewer.