Everton have emerged as the frontrunners to sign the Norwich midfielder James Maddison, who they see as the long-term replacement for Wayne Rooney. The former England international is expected to complete his transfer to DC United and Everton are expected to move for the 21-year-old Maddison soon.

Maddison, who scored 15 goals in the Championship last season, wants to make the step up to the Premier League and it is doubtful Norwich will stand in his way.

Transfer window 2018 – every summer deal from Europe's top five leagues Read more

Everton will have to fend off competition for Maddison, who has also been watched by Liverpool and Tottenham. He is highly regarded by Leicester and Fulham, both of whom are likely to challenge Marco Silva’s side for the England Under-21 international. A bidding war will suit Norwich, who will demand at least £20m for one of the brightest young talents in England.

West Ham had a £12m bid for Maddison knocked back in January and are poised to revive their interest in him after Manuel Lanzini sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament while preparing for the World Cup finals with Argentina.

West Ham are looking for attacking reinforcements but they will need to improve their opening offer of €20m plus add-ons for Felipe Anderson, with Lazio understood to be holding out for a fee of €40m for the Brazil winger. The clubs are expected to hold talks about the 25-year-old in Rome on Wednesday.

World Cup Fiver: sign up and get our daily football email

Deulofeu joins Watford from Barcelona

Watford have signed the former Everton winger Gerard Deulofeu from Barcelona. The 24-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan at Vicarage Road, scoring once in seven Premier League appearances. He will return on a full-time basis in a deal worth an initial £11.5m (€13m).

Stoke have signed the Nigeria midfielder Oghenekaro Peter Etebo on a five-year contract from the Portuguese club Feirense. Etebo, who will play in the World Cup, is Stoke’s first signing since being relegated to the Championship.