According to UOL, Everton are interested in signing Vasco da Gama wonderkid Andrey Santos, but face competition from Barcelona.
What’s the story?
Well, Everton are set to appoint Frank Lampard as Rafa Benitez’s replacement, and the transfer cogs are now churning.
The Daily Mail believe the Toffees want to sign Ruben Loftus-Cheek from Chelsea before Monday’s deadline.
Additionally, The Athletic are claiming that Everton also want Donny van de Beek on loan from Manchester United.
Now, it seems Everton are looking away from the Premier League for potential signings as well, as a target emerges from Brazil.
UOL state that Santos has a €30m (£25m) release clause in his contract with Vasco da Gama.
However, a deal could be done for just €6m (£5m) with his contract set to expire in June 2023.
If Everton successfully fend off Barcelona, don’t expect to see Santos arrive at Goodison Park just yet.
It would have to be a pre-contract agreement for now, as the 17-year-old cannot sign professional terms until he turns 18.
Everton battling Barcelona is a good sign
Regardless of whether or not Everton successfully beat Barcelona to the Brazilian teenager’s signature, this is a positive step.
For too long, the Toffees have been happy to look on their doorstep for signings, rather than venturing out into Europe for value.
Signings such as Yannick Bolasie, Alex Iwobi and Gylfi Sigurdsson suggests there was a lack of clever scouting going on at Goodison Park.
However, the smart addition of Demarai Gray from Bayer Leverkusen was shrewd business, so it’s pleasing to hear that Everton are now scouring Brazil for more talents.
If Everton are to get themselves out of their current mess, they must make more long-term additions like Santos, rather than ageing players.
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