AS Roma’s pursuit of Brazilian Everton winger Bernard has taken a new twist amid reports of personal contact for the player.
Il Tempo reported [via Sport Witness] of an order of transfer priorities for Roma boss Paulo Fonseca. According to the source, bringing Bernard to the Eternal City is the priority for the Giallorossi, although other targets are named.
Italian winger Stephan El Shaarawy and FC Porto’s Ótavio are other viable left-sided options referenced in reports, indicating that the Toffees winger is one of several options being explored.
In an interesting twist, Fonseca has reportedly ‘telephoned’ the player and has held preliminary talks with the player’s agent.
Earlier reports this morning from Sky Sports (Transfer Centre, 19/01/2021, 8:07am) indicate that United Arab Emirates-based Al Nasr are also considering joining the race for Bernard and could lodge a £10m offer.
However, Roma do not have a shortlist by coincidence. They have clearly done their homework on their options and have likely been planning to move for Bernard for some time as a result.
AS Roma hold a unique advantage over other suitors in their pursuit of Bernard in Robin Olsen. The Swedish goalkeeper is on loan at Goodison Park and Carlo Ancelotti has hinted that he would like to make the 31-year-old’s stay a permanent one.
Read Everton Verdict
Bernard, who has just 18 months left on his current deal, has only two goals and 10 appearances to his name this season (Transfermarkt). He has seen the likes of Richarlison and even left-back Lucas Digne favoured ahead of him on the left side of attacks this season.
With the groundwork laid, now may be the best time for Everton to cash in on him.
