Everton Director of Football Marcel Brands has planned a trip to Barcelona to begin serious talks over the permanent signing of midfielder Andre Gomes, according to Mundo Deportivo.
The Spanish outlet claims that a trip was planned weeks ago between the two sides, but that it is yet to actually take place. Gomes, of course, has starred on loan at Everton from the Spanish champions this season.
The Toffees are thought to be keen to sign the Portugal international permanently, but have been warned by Barca that only a ‘good offer’ will be enough to snare the 25-year-old.
Gomes, on his part, wants to remain in the Premier League. Communication between the two clubs has been ongoing throughout the season, but no agreement has yet been achieved.
OPINION
Well, the good news is that a trip has been arranged, even if it hasn’t actually taken place yet. However, if it’s been arranged then it will surely take place at some point – over the current international break, perhaps. It’s been obvious for a while that Gomes is someone who Everton want to keep, despite his form declining somewhat since the turn of the year. He remains a top class player, though, and will likely be even better for having a year of experience in the Premier League. The best way for Everton to get this deal done is in person, of course, which is why Brands has arranged a personal trip to Catalonia. Once he’s there it shouldn’t be too difficult to negotiate a deal, seeing as Gomes doesn’t appear to have much of a future at Barcelona. The Spanish heavyweights want a ‘good offer’, but it’s unknown what exactly that constitutes. It can’t be anything more than around £30million, though, meaning that the Toffees should be able to get a deal done without too much trouble.