Paulo Fonseca should make Shakhtar’s Bernard his priority if appointed by Everton

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Shakhtar Donetsk coach Paulo Fonseca has once again been linked with Everton – but who would he bring over from Ukraine?

Ronald Koeman looked like a man under pressure on Thursday night. Unshaven and dishevelled, the beleaguered boss looked to be on the verge of a much needed win with Everton drawing level against Lyon in the Europa League thanks to an Ashley Williams bullet and pushing on for a second.

Minutes after the leveller, however, Bertrand Traore flicked home the winner and, 15 minutes later, Goodison Park erupted in another chorus of boos. Therefore, this week was not the best time for Paulo Fonseca to admit that he dreams of managing in the Premier League – at least for Koeman.

Though if Bernard is ever going to make the move to the Premier League, Fonseca arriving at Everton could give the Brazilian winger his big break at last.

The Telegraph reported that the highly-rated Shakhtar Donetsk coach was one of Everton’s favourites to replace Roberto Martinez in 2016, before Koeman was handed the reigns. And the report stated that Fonseca may be on Everton’s shortlist again if the Dutchman runs out of time to turn things around.

If he is appointed, and it seems he’d be keen on the move, there is one player Fonseca should bring with him.

“All coaches want to go to England and I am one,” said Fonseca in an exclusive interview with Telegraph Sport. “I have this dream and I believe this can happen. I believe a lot this can happen. If it’s soon or not, I have this dream.”

Reunited

If Everton do replace the Dutchman with Fonseca, expect one or two Shakhtar stars to be linked with a move to Goodison. And one in particular will be a name well known by Everton fans.

Brazil winger Bernard has been linked relentlessly with a move to England over the years, but is now in his fifth season with the Ukrainian giants. After scoring his first ever Champions League goals with a brace in Tuesday’s 2-1 win at Feyenoord, however, Bernard looks to be restoring a reputation that had floundered before Fonseca’s arrival in 2016.

With Everton needing wingers, will Bernard enter the equation?