Swansea captain Leon Britton expects Gylfi Sigurdsson to join Everton: 'When the bigger teams come calling it is hard to keep him'

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Swansea captain Leon Britton believes star player Gylfi Sigurdsson will join Everton this summer.

Sportsmail revealed this weekend that the Icelandic international asked the Welsh club to let him speak with Ronald Koeman's side over a proposed £45m transfer.

This came after he sat out the Swans' 2-0 friendly win over Birmingham on Saturday 'due to the current transfer speculation surrounding him.'

Gylfi Sigurdsson has been the subject of sustained interest from Everton this summer

And skipper Britton expects the 27-year-old will end up at Goodison Park next season.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live on Monday, the midfielder said: 'His stats last year in terms of assists and goals, you'd think he'd be playing for one of the clubs in the top half of the table.

'He's a big influence in the top end of the pitch for us, but unfortunately the club we're at, Swansea, when the bigger teams come calling it is hard to keep him.

'The club have stood firm. By all accounts they've said they want £50m. I don't know if it's going to get done. I think Everton have maybe offered £40-45m so I think there'll be some movement now and Gylfi will go.'

Swansea captain Leon Britton believes Sigurdsson will leave the Liberty Stadium

Ronald Koeman has been determined to add the Icelandic international to his side

Sigurdsson scored nine goals as the Swans rallied under Paul Clement to preserve their Premier League status after a hard-fought campaign.

And Britton admitted it is imperative Swansea find an adequate replacement for their talisman. 

 'If he does go, it's vitally important that we replace him with the same quality, as much as we can,' he said.

Britton added: 'You never know, things can change overnight so you live in hope that he will stay. 

'But Everton have bid a lot of money before and you'd think they're not too far away from it.' 

Paul Clement did not select Sigurdsson on Saturday 'due to the current transfer speculation'