Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia has been in impressive form for the Toffees’ development side this season.
Everton’s youngsters won the Premier League 2 title this term, with Virginia playing a key role.
The goalkeeper was a regular in David Unsworth’s side, and his performances impressed the Everton boss.
Silva now admits that the Portuguese stopper has become too good to be playing outside the first-team.
And Silva claims that Everton are either going to have to loan out Virginia over the summer, or promote him to their first-team.
“The level of u-23s is not so good for him now, he is at another level already and he showed that,” Silva said.
“It is up to us to now decide if he is ready to be here and compete or to play more in another place. We are really happy with him.”
If Virginia is promoted to Everton’s senior squad then he is likely to take the place of Maarten Stekelenburg.
Stekelenburg has barely featured for Everton this term, making just two appearances in all competitions.
If Virginia is made available for loan then Everton are likely to find a whole host of Football League clubs willing to take him off their hands.
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