Everton are one of many Premier League clubs interested in Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes, according to reports.
The Portugal international is in high demand this month, with many clubs considering signing the 20-year old following him having fallen out with Benfica manager Bruno Lage.
Sky Sports reported on Friday that West Ham were in negotiations to sign the midfielder, who has also attracted interest from Manchester United this month.
The report claims that the Hammers are in talks to sign Fernandes on an 18-month loan deal with the option to buy, although David Moyes wouldn’t be drawn into talking about how far the negotiations have advanced.
Now Mail Online have thrown Everton’s name into the mix, claiming that the Toffees are also keen on signing the highly regarded midfielder.
Everton have been light in that area this season following a number of high profile injuries to the first-team squad, and it has been reported that a defensive midfielder is a priority position for Carlo Ancelotti to strengthen in January.
Read Everton Verdict
On reputation alone, Gedson Fernandes would be a terrific long-term signing for Everton. He would fill a spot in Everton’s squad immediately, and alongside his compatriot Andre Gomes, he could well develop into a solid Premier League player.
However, it isn’t particularly clear how much interest Everton actually have in the midfielder. Mail Online’s report only includes one brief throwaway line about the Blues being keen, and given that other reports have claimed that numerous unnamed Premier League clubs want Fernandes, it could be a very easy jump to make.
If Everton are interested, it could all come down to convincing the player. Fernandes reportedly prefers a London move, and it would take some convincing from Ancelotti and Farhad Moshiri to bring him to Merseyside.
