Everton appear to be closing in on Brazilian ace Bernard.
Everton have signed three new faces this summer – and they are closing in on number four in the shape of free agent playmaker Bernard.
Winger Richarlison and full back Lucas Digne have arrived from Watford and Barcelona respectively as the ‘big money’ additions, but Arsenal goalkeeper Joao Virginia has also arrived in recent days.
The Toffees still need more additions before Thursday’s transfer deadline though, and it seems that Marco Silva and Marcel Brands are homing on another signing.
The Guardian report that playmaker Bernard is set to join Everton and will undergo a medical imminently as the Toffees fend off major competition for the Brazilian’s signature.
Formerly a star with Atletico Mineiro in his native Brazil, Bernard was wanted by a host of European clubs in 2013, but chose Shakhtar as he followed in the footsteps of compatriots such as Elano, Douglas Costa, Fernandinho, Willian and Alex Teixeira in joining the Ukrainian side.
The 25-year-old hit 28 goals in 157 games for Shakhtar, and chose to move on when his contract expires with the club this summer as he looked for a big move away.
Now, Bernard is set to join Everton, and fans have been taking to Twitter to offer their views on the diminutive playmaker’s imminent move to Goodison Park.
Some have concerns about Bernard’s lightweight stature and the fact that he’s another creative midfielder, but the general consensus is that Bernard is a technically-gifted player who can only add to Silva’s options, with some feeling that he is comparable to former Liverpool star and fellow Brazilian Philippe Coutinho.
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