Real Madrid have opened talks with former Everton target and Flamengo midfielder Reinier, according to reports.
The Brazilian starlet was once said to have come close to signing for the Toffees, with Marco Silva’s side having been heavily interested in the summer.
Everton’s interest in the 17-year old was well publicised, although many outlets have differing takes on the degree of Everton’s interest and how the negotiations were said to have been going.
It had initially been reported that Everton had agreed a €30million deal with Flamengo that would see Reinier move to Goodison Park when he turned 18 in January.
It then emerged that Everton had indeed offered €30million to Flamengo, although the Brazilian side had rejected it out of hand.
Ultimately, Everton weren’t able to get any deal over the line, and now it appears as though Real Madrid will sign the midfielder.
ESPN report that Los Blancos have held talks with Reinier, although the player has yet to decide what he wants to do. Madrid have also only offered €25million, while Flamengo are holding out for someone to meet the player’s release clause of €30million.
Under the terms of his contract, Reinier’s clause will rise to €35m in June for the summer transfer window and to €70m after that.
Should Madrid sign Reinier this month, he will either join Real Madrid Castilla for the remainder of the season, or he would return to Brazil with Flamengo on loan.
Read Everton Verdict
Everton interest in Reinier always seemed odd, because it would be a large outlay of funds on someone who is extremely young and unknown. For someone who doesn’t start regularly for Flamengo, the price tag Everton were allegedly set to pay just didn’t seem right
Madrid though can afford to waste that money without worrying whether it will be worth it, so it makes sense that someone like that would look to snap up the talented teenager.
If Everton want to come in for Reinier, they will need to act quick, although I would be surprised if we see them reignite their interest.
