Everton News

Everton’s interest in £10million ‘bargain’ futile as deal already on the cards – report

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The Sun have linked Everton with a move for Benfica right-back Andre Almeida, but the Toffees’ stance is futile as O Jogo understand his current Liga NOS outfit are keen to accelerate contract negotiations.

Almeida’s current deal at the Estadio Sport Lisboa e Benfica does not expire until 2021, but the growing interest from England is thought to have expedited their plans to put forward a new three-year contract, which will likely feature a sizable pay rise.

When reporting out interest, The Sun had claimed the 8-cap former Portugal international was on a relatively moderate wage, which meant he could be ‘snapped up for a bargain £10million this summer’.

That potential was also thought to be attracting the attention of Wolverhampton Wanderers, Leicester City, Southampton and Brighton, as the 28-year-old had just put together a Portuguese title-winning campaign that featured 12 assists and two goals.

Sources close to the player supposedly suggested Almeida saw himself playing for a top-half Premier League club, though, which could have helped our stance in any move to find someone to potentially replace captain Seamus Coleman one day.

That now seems unlikely, though, as O Jogo believe Benfica have made it clear Almeida will not be leaving Lisbon this year, and that while the contract is not yet finalised, discussions will be held this week.

Director of Football Marcel Brands’ efforts may now have to go entirely toward landing Paris Saint-Germain right-back Thomas Meunier, who Paris United believe has been offered a contract with Everton but is keen to see out the final year of his current deal at Les Parc des Princes.

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