Irvine is hopeful that the England Under 21 international will join the Toffees this summer.
He told the club’s official website: “We are at least part of the way down the road.
“But with the demands made by everyone these days I will only believe it is going to happen when it actually does happen.
“We have been talking to Leighton and hopefully sorting things out with him.”
He added: “When you look at the prices that are going around these days then £6m is not a great deal of money.
“Leighton has got real potential to play for his country. He is a good footballer, a nice passer of the ball, he has loads of energy and he is quick.”
