Marco Silva has issued a worrying one-word update on Everton’s chances of landing Barcelona-owned Andre Gomes beyond his loan, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
The Portuguese midfielder played his potential final game for the Toffees on Sunday, as he came off the bench in the 65th minute to replace Idrissa Gana Gueye at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Spurs had been dominating possession before Gomes’ introduction, but we were able to control the ball once he entered the action in the second-half – with Gomes also playing the joint-most passes for either side following his introduction, level with Toby Alderweireld.
Making a difference to proceedings may not have actually been the best outcome for us, though, as the North Londoners are one of the many sides we may now face in the race to secure the 25-year-old’s signature, with a number of teams from around Europe emerging as the transfer window nears.
Gomes has also made no indication to the boss recently that he would favour a continued stay on Merseyside, should Marcel Brands make an offer to Barcelona in the coming weeks or months.
“No,” Silva stated when pushed on the matter in his post-game press conference. “I know all the rumours around [him], but the most important thing is what comes from Andre and what comes from our club, our board, is also important.
“But what comes from Andre is the most important thing for me at this moment. He didn’t have nothing new for me to say now. I am 100% sure when something is decided in his mind, I will be one of the first people to know and this is the most important thing.
“We, as a club, have to do everything [we can] to sign him.”
Silva has regularly shared that he would love to keep the 29-cap international beyond his loan from Barcelona, and reports in Spain last week suggested Director of Football Brands would be making an approach.
The same outlet later suggested that Spurs had reached an agreement with Gomes’ representatives, however, and would also be looking to make an offer following the climax of the Premier League season.
Should Levy succeed in signing Gomes, the Portuguese may be the second player we had feature on Sunday depart Merseyside for London, as Kurt Zouma’s situation is also in doubt.
“It [Zouma’s transfer] is not something in my hands,” Silva added. “If it was, I would do it now. Or two months ago.
“In August I didn’t have [any] doubts about Zouma. Some people maybe had doubts, but I didn’t. When I decided to sign him, it’s because I believed in his qualities, even if he didn’t have a good season at Stoke.
“It will be tough [to complete the transfer]. We are talking about a good player and the situation at Chelsea [with their transfer ban] didn’t help us also, but let’s see what we can do.
“I’m sure we will do everything we can because he will be a key player for us. He was this season, and could be a key player to reach that level we want.”