Everton Soares might have played his final game for Gremio amid speculation linking the Brazil international with a move to Newcastle United, Leicester City and, funnily enough, Everton, vice-president Claudio Oderich has told Radio Grenal.
12 months after inspiring Brazil to Copa America glory, a lethal left winger who stepped up brilliantly in Neymar’s injury-enforced absence last summer is finally set to bring his explosive acceleration and long-range rockets to European soil.
UOL reported this week that Everton coach Carlo Ancelotti had held talks over the phone with a forward who shares his name with the Merseyside giants.
It is no secret that Ancelotti has admired the 24-year-old since his time at Napoli, with Globo Esporte adding that the Toffees are willing to match the £20 million offer put on the table by Benfica.
Speculation suggested that Everton could be left out of the Gremio team ahead of their 2-0 victory over Internacional today.
While the jet-heeled forward caused a stir by being included in the starting XI after all, it feels very likely that this was his goodbye appearance in Brazilian football.
“It could be his farewell with Gremio’s shirt. The deal is in progress, but has not yet been concluded,” Oderich said.
AreaNapoli reported in July that Everton is also courting interest from Newcastle, West Ham, Leicester and newly-promoted West Brom.
The Baggies, however, would have to part with a club-record sum for a man compared to a young Cristiano Ronaldo by ex-Brazil boss Luiz Felipe Scolari.
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