The Everton and West Ham United-linked winger, Jota, is ‘one step away’ from leaving Benfica and ‘should head to England’, according to Record.
The Portuguese paper adds that his goodbye is ‘almost guaranteed’, weeks after reports of interest from Everton and West Ham emerged via the same publication.
It was said the pair could derail Valencia’s attempts to sign the 21-year-old, following claims he was ‘very close’ to joining the Spanish side on loan.
Jota can operate on either flank, as an attacking midfielder or as a central striker, and has scored or assisted five goals in 34 games for Benfica.
But while there appears to be space for him at Everton, where the futures of Theo Walcott, Alex Iwobi, Yannick Bolasie, Sandro Ramirez and Bernard are all uncertain, according to The Times, the West Ham co-chairman David Sullivan told Talksport earlier that his side have ‘too many wingers’ already.
Jota started just six times last season in all competitions and it is perhaps no surprise to see him linked with a move, especially after he was dropped to Benfica’s reserves last week.
The Lisbon-born player came through the ranks at Benfica, where he signed a new four-and-a-half-year deal in January, and has earned nine caps for his country’s under-21 side.
Everton and West Ham both employ a number of Portuguese speakers, who could help Jota to settle in England should he sign for either club.
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