The midfielder is claimed to have caught Everton’s eye after impressing in Marco Silva’s native Portugal.
The head coach of Russian side, FC Krasnodar, has admitted his side probably rushed the signing of Kaio Pantaleão after Everton scouts watched the Brazilian midfielder.
Kaio has agreed to join Krasnodar on a contract commencing 1 July, after a deal worth around €3 million (£2.65m) was struck with Santa Clara.
But the Black-Greens were not the only club taking a shine to the 23-year-old, according to Murad Musayev.
“We probably rushed to take him away,” he told Sports.Ru. “As far as I know, in the last round, Everton scouts came to watch him. They did not know that we signed him a certain time ago.”
That a player impressing in Portugal’s Primeira Liga would catch the eye of Everton is perhaps no surprise, considering the Toffees currently employ a Portuguese head coach and backroom team.
Kaio spent two seasons at Santa Clara – the first while on loan from Ferroviária in Brazil – and leaves them 10th in their first season back at the top level.
A defensive-minded player, Kaio’s strengths include aerial duels, ball interception, blocking, dribbling and tackling, according to WhoScored.
Would Kaio have been a good addition for Everton?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
