Reported Everton target Rui Silva would be better off staying in Spain than making a summer move to the Premier League, former coach Manuel Machado has told El Desmarque of the Granada goalkeeper.
At this stage, it’s no secret the in-form goalkeeper will be on his way out of the Nuevo Los Carmenes in the summer transfer window.
Where he ends up next, however, is anyone’s guess.
In January, Estadio Deportivo reported Carlo Ancelotti’s Everton hoped to sign Silva on a free at the end of the season, with the 26-year-old deciding not to sign a new contract at Europa League quarter-finalists Granada.
Inter Milan and Barcelona have also been linked, although La Liga high-flyers Real Betis appear to be leading the race for a penalty-saving specialist who, on paper, would represent an upgrade on the ageing Claudio Bravo and erratic Joel Robles.
And Machado, who worked with Silva during his time at Nacional, believes the Portuguese glovesman would be making the right call by extending his stay in Spain’s top flight.
“Step by step, he is consolidating his career. He is a goalkeeper with a great physical and athletic appearance. He has real technical quality, makes good decisions and, above all, is very calm,” Machado says.
“There was interest from English teams but, in my opinion, (joining Real Betis) is a great step.
“If Rui takes over at Betis next season, he will have a great chance of being the starter for Portugal.”
Napoli shot-stopper Alex Meret, who played under Carlo Ancelotti at Napoli, has also been linked with Everton recently.
Of course, the Toffees may still opt to sign Roma loanee Robin Olsen on a permanent basis, negating the need for a new shot-stopper.
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