Everton have had an offer rejected for Santos defender Lucas Verissimo, according to reports.
The Toffees are on the hunt for a centre-back this month and have been linked with the likes of Barcelona’s Jean-Clair Todibo, Saint-Etienne’s Wesley Fofana and Juventus’ Merih Demiral in the last few days.
Everton only have three senior centre-back options and they need to strengthen in that area, as they have been fortunate to avoid major injury among their backline this season so far.
Now website UOL (via Sport Witness) has claimed that the Blues have had an offer turned down for one such target, with the Brazilian giants Santos refusing their offer for Verissimo.
Everton reportedly offered to take the 24-year old on loan for the remainder of the season with an option to buy included in the deal, but Santos are only open to an immediate sale.
Santos are in need of money and so they have allowed Verissimo to be offered to a number of European clubs, with the expectation that he leave on a permanent basis during this window.
Verissimo is one of the star players for the Brazilian club, and they see him as one of their major assets who could demand an acceptable transfer fee, with Santos expecting to make around €10million from the sale.
Read Everton Verdict
Largely unknown outside of Brazil, Verissimo is someone who would add an element of steel to Everton’s backline. Tough in the tackle and boasting impressive aerial prowess, Verissimo is perhaps most known for his discipline, which isn’t always stellar.
However, Everton have often been criticised for being too soft and too nice, and that none of the players seem to battle dirty on occasion. Ramiro Funes Mori brought a little bit of that to the fold, but he lacked that quality needed to nail down his spot in the team.
Signing mostly unknown players from South America is usually a gamble, and Everton have seen enough Leandro Rodriguez’s to know to be wary. But for as little as €10million, Verissimo could be a risk worth taking.
