Everton had reportedly agreed to a £25 million deal with fellow English Premier League side Crystal Palace to sign Congolese winger Yannick Bolasie in the wake of John Stones' transfer to Manchester City for £47.5 million.
The Toffees have also acquired former Swansea City captain Ashley Williams on Wednesday in a three-year deal for £12 million as new head coach Ronald Koeman completed his search for a new center back to replace Stones.
Stones' sale was definitely put to good use as Koeman was able to snag two key pieces that will address the team's current needs in Bolasie and Williams.
The 27-year-old Bolasie had just finished his fourth season with Crystal Palace last term, scoring six goals in 30 games in all competitions for the Eagles. In total, he had appeared in 143 games and had netted 13 times for Palace during the said time span.
Bolasie had signed a three-and-a-half year contract extension with Palace last year, but head coach Alan Pardew had received bids for his prized winger and did not hesitate to take the opportunity, as per The Sun.
Pardew has acquired English winger Andros Townsend from relegated club Newcastle United for £13 million last month while one of his existing wingers, Ivorian Wilfried Zaha, has also been demanding more first-team time in the upcoming season.
With his excess of wingers, the 55-year-old Palace boss may have thought of Bolasie as a surplus to his needs at the Selhurst Park this season.
Caught Offside noted that the Eagles initially turned down the Toffees' £18 million bid for Bolasie, but Koeman and company came back with the improved offer, which obtained the approval of Palace.
The report also confirmed that Bolasie will already be a part of Everton's lineup in their 2016-2017 Premier League season-opening game against Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday together with Williams.
Koeman is said to be not finished yet in his summer revolution as the team is also targeting 27-year-old Sunderland center back Lamine Koné for £18 million. The Dutch mentor is reportedly keen on completing the deal this week as he wants Koné to partner with Williams as central defenders during the Toffees' opening match.