Everton are interested in a January deal for Sporting Lisbon playmaker Bruno Fernandes, according to A Bola.
The Portuguese sports newspaper report that Toffees boss Marco Silva has set his sights on a deal for the Portugal international, who has continued his red-hot form into this season.
A Bola claim that Everton are not the only Premier League club in the hunt for the 24-year-old, who would cost at least £36million this month.
Good move for Everton?
Yes and no.
Fernandes is an extremely talented player whose stock is rising fast in Portugal, with the attacking midfielder looking likely to spread his wings and move abroad at some point in the near future.
The 24-year-old would add real creativity to the Everton midfield while also bringing a goal threat, with the international having scored 14 goals and registered nine assists already this season.
However, there is an argument to be had that Everton do not exactly need another playmaker, and should instead be focusing their efforts on signing a striker and sorting their defence.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10
Likely to happen?
Fernandes is one of Sporting’s prized assets, and the Liga NOS club will be loathe to lose the midfielder at this point in the season, meaning Everton will have to work hard to seal a deal.
And, considering the need for reinforcements in other areas of the squad, a £36million move for Fernandes somehow seems unlikely to happen this month, although do not rule out a summer swoop should no one else snap him up in January.
This is Futbol rating: 2/10