Everton have approached Benfica with an enquiry about Serbia international Andrija Zivkovic, according to Correio da Manhã.
The Portuguese newspaper claims that although Zivkovic, 22, has a release clause worth £53.3million, Benfica want just £31million for the ex-Partizan Belgrade forward as they want to get him off their wagebill this summer.
It is understood that Zivkovic earns £44,000-a-week on his deal and is one of the highest earners at Estadio da Luz.
Marco Silva is said to be a “confident admirer” of the wide-forward, who is open to moving away from Benfica this summer.
Good move for Everton?
Zivkovic is a good young player who could certainly add some good strength in depth to Everton’s attacking options.
The 16-times Serbia international can play on either wing and can also play as a secondary striker in the centre.
At 22-years-of-age, he still has some potential to reach, but will be disappointed by the fact that he failed to score any goals for Benfica this season.
Zivkovic supplied six assists in 30 appearances in all competitions for the Portuguese champions, but was restricted to just six starts in Liga NOS.
Silva should maybe look at better options that do not cost as much as the Serbian ace.
This is Futbol rating 5/10
Likely to happen?
Zivkovic does seem likely to leave Benfica, but will Everton be the club that he joins next? It does not seem that likely.
Silva will no doubt be looking at the Portuguese market for players to snap up this summer, but he will surely want to sign players that represent much better value for money than Zivkovic, who has not had a great season.
This is Futbol rating 2/10