Everton are ready to swoop on the Malaga striker Sandro after the verdict of today’s hearing from the Court of Arbitration, The Sun have claimed.
Following the hearing today, it was announced that Atletico Madrid’s transfer ban was being upheld, meaning that the club wouldn’t be able to sign any new players until 2018.
Both Atletico Madrid and Everton were ready to pounce on the ex-Barcelona forward, but given the result of the hearing today, Everton could now be favourites for the 21-year-old.
The Liverpool Echo reported yesterday that the Toffees were ready to watch the hearing in Lausanne, Switzerland with keen interest.
The Spanish side are being punished following breaking rules that were introduced to prevent encouraging young players from their home countries, along with child trafficking.
Atletico Madrid denied all charges, and despite boss Diego Simeone hoping they’d be able to sign players in time for the coming summer, that hasn’t happened.
Everton have been heavily linked with the Malaga forward and the IBTimes previously reported he had agreed terms to move to Goodison Park after manager Ronald Koeman was spotted scouting him.
Sandro looked set to snub that offer though in favour of a move to Atletico – however, today’s decision could squash that.
Sandro would be a welcome addition to the Blues next season with a release clause of just over £5million.
The 21-year-old was a key target for Everton after he shone for Malaga following his move from Barcelona in 2016.
During his time at Malaga, Sandro has become a goal machine scoring 14 goals in La Liga, which puts him eighth in the league’s scoring charts.