---
title: "Everton linked with ambitious move for European duo"
canonical: "https://readeverton.com/everton-linked-with-ambitious-move-for-european-duo/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Tom Mason"
section: "Feature Writers"
published: "2018-06-19T11:27:40Z"
modified: "2018-06-19T11:27:40Z"
---

# Everton linked with ambitious move for European duo

Everton are keen on signing Sporting winger Gelson Martins and young Dutch defender Matthijs De Ligt this summer, according to the [Telegraph](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/football/2018/06/18/everton-target-sporting-lisbon-winger-gelson-martins-ajax-defender/).

Sporting are in freefall after a number of the players cancelled their contracts at the club, sparking a wealth of interest in their players this summer.

New Toffees boss Marco Silva is keen on the player and is looking to make him the side’s first signing of the summer as they look to improve upon last season.

However, it will not be easy to pull off the signing with other Premier League clubs showing a strong interest in him including, Liverpool, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.

![Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images Sport](https://media.readeverton.com/readeverton/2018/06/942395912.jpg)

De Ligt is aged just 18, but is highly rated and is the latest to come through the ranks at the Ajax academy.

It’s thought that Manchester City have been tracking the young defender, while Juventus have also earmarked him as a potential target.

It may take as much as £50 million to complete this signing, despite his tender age, many recognise him as one for the future.