Everton are inching closer to completing a permanent deal to sign Andre Gomes from Barcelona following his impressive loan spell at Goodison Park last season, according to Phil McNulty of BBC Sport.

After Gomes reportedly rejected interest from West Ham United, it's understood he'll return to the Toffees after Barcelona accepted an offer worth £22 million.

West Ham failed twice to complete a move for Gomes, with the Hammers reportedly submitting an unsuccessful bid worth £20 million for his services earlier this month. Gomes made clear he only wanted to return to the Merseyside club where he made 27 Premier League appearances last term, according to McNulty.

The 25-year-old midfielder joined Everton after struggling for playing time at Barcelona. He arrived at the Catalonia capital following his €35-million transfer from Valencia in 2016.

Securing Gomes' services would represent Everton's second signing of the summer following the transfer of goalkeeper Jonas Lossl from Huddersfield Town on a free transfer.