Everton are leading the race for Benfica midfielder Gedson Fernandes.
That’s according to The Atheltic’s David Ornstein, who revealed in his Monday column that the Toffees have stolen a march on West Ham in a bid to land the 20-year-old.
Fernandes, who has also been linked with a move to Manchester United, is thought to be wanted by Everton in an initial 18-month loan deal with an option to complete a permanent £34m move.
Ornstein went on to reveal that Carlo Ancelotti is keen to freshen up his squad and will meet with director of football Marcel Brands on Monday to discuss transfer targets.
The news quickly made its way across social media on Monday, and these Everton fans were delighted with the news.
Twitter: @EvertonNewsFeed SIUUU AGAIN (@JWharton_EFC)
Twitter: @simplyEFC Get it done!! (@matthewellison0)
Twitter: Gedson Fernandes on an 18-month loan deal with a £34million option is a great prospect for Everton.
He would add d… https://t.co/obxKzZoY0Y (@CuffWrites)
Twitter: Gedson Fernandes is 10x the player that Gylfi Sigurdsson is and I haven’t seen him play one minute of football (@adxmEFC)
Twitter: @Paddy_Boyland Be a good signing that. Expect to see ins and out speed up after the meeting over the next few days (@MatthewKneale1)
Read Everton verdict
The Toffees’ display against Liverpool in the FA Cup just proved to everyone that Ancelotti desperately needs his own additions, especially in midfield.
Morgan Schneiderlin, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Fabian Delph all struggled in a central area against a young Reds side, so an injection of quality in the middle of the park appears to be crucial.
Fernandes can ply his trade as a box-to-box midfielder or further forward in an attacking role.
An 18-month loan would allow Ancelotti to have a good look at the Portuguese youngster before making a final decision next summer.
His tireless work rate, natural quality on the ball and ability to improve his already impressive game in years to come could see him become a top signing for the Toffees this month.
