OPINION
Everton are reportedly in the hunt to sign midfielder Fernando from Russian club Spartak Moscow, but they should bin their plans for him and turn their attention elsewhere.
The Sun reports that the Toffees are in a battle alongside Premier League rivals Chelsea and Tottenham for the 26-year-old enforcer.
It is understood that the £22million-rated defensive midfielder is keen to test himself in another league and there is also competition from Spanish duo Sevilla and Atletico for his signature.
However, Everton need to forget about capturing the Brazilian at the end of the season despite the obvious strengths to his game.
He is a no-nonsense midfielder that has scored six goals and supplied four assists this season for Spartak, who are second-placed in the Russian league standings.
That does not mean he is cut out for English football and forking out £20million-plus for his signature would be a risk, while the competition could only bump that sum up.
The Merseyside club also don’t need to focus on bolstering the centre of the park and instead must be looking at improving their defence and frontline in the summer transfer window.
Idrissa Gueye is an ever-present in front of the back four and the recent form of Morgan Schneiderlin suggests he can still have a key role for the Toffees moving forward.
The arrival of Fernando could also possibly block the path for emerging youngster Tom Davies, who can still turn into a top player if he develops well.
Everton’s main priority should be adding another centre-back that can help lead their backline, while also searching for another recognised goalscorer would be the right way about trying to get them back in the race for European spots next year.