Southampton boss Ronald Koeman looks set to leave the south coast to join Everton after his agent confirmed the Dutchman had agreed to move to Merseyside.

Koeman guided Southampton to sixth in the Premier League and a place in the Europa League and many expected him to stay put despite Everton’s interest.

After an initial approach, Koeman appeared to be staying with the Saints but Everton made another move last week and he could now be confirmed as their new boss within the next 24 hours.

His agent Rob Jansen told Voetbal International: “We have reached an agreement with Everton. Now it is up to the clubs.” The 53-year-old has a year left on his Southampton deal but the lure of a bigger transfer budget looks set to be the key factor in his move.

Everton’s new owner Farhad Moshiri is willing to pay over £3million in compensation before giving Koeman further funds to try and get the club into Europe.

Everton, 17.00 to finish in the top four next year, endured a disappointing campaign and finished 11th after sacking Roberto Martinez before the final game of the season.

Koeman’s first task will be to try and keep hold of striker Romelu Lukaku, who has continued to hint that he could leave Goodison Park as he tries to find a Champions League club.

The former Feyenoord boss is also thought to be the perfect candidate to improve the club’s struggling defence.