Lots of Everton fans have been reacting on social media following reports by Joven Pan claiming the Goodison Park outfit have approached Sao Paulo over a move for goalkeeper Lucas Perri.
It is suggested Everton have approached Sao Paolo to discuss a move for Perri ahead of the summer transfer window, when the Blues are due to bid farewell to Maarten Stekelenburg with the Dutchman joining Ajax on a free.
There are no suggestions as to what role Perri would occupy if he were to move to Goodison Park, where the Toffees have Jordan Pickford, Jonas Lossl and Joao Virginia among their goalkeeper group.
Perri agreed a new contract with Sao Paolo in March that features a €40million (£36.3m) release clause, which Joven Pan note the Brazilian side are open to negotiating given the financial circumstances brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.
Joven Pan’s report of interest from Everton has been supported by fellow Brazilian outlet Gazeta Esportiva, who note how Perri has no place in the side as a result of the performances of Tiago Volpi.
Volpi is the clear first-choice at Sao Paolo having featured in all bar one of the Brazilian side’s Serie A fixtures last year, whereas Perri has made just three appearances for the club across all competitions.
Gazeta Esportiva also add that Everton’s approach was simply to vocalise their interest in the 6 ft 5 22-year-old and ask for additional information, rather than any firm advances by Director of Football Marcel Brands to make a transfer occur this summer.
Some Everton supporters would back Brands in making a more formal move for Perri, with the Blues fans longing for someone who can come in and rival Pickford between the posts.
Informal talks? How about giving him a contract immediately if he can hold a ball https://t.co/xLrlZLBiog
— Suomi🇫🇮 (@RiddledBlues2) July 17, 2020
If the club think he’s got ability and can push Pickford, and it’s a good deal for the club, then why not?!
— Aide Dews (@AidyDews) July 17, 2020
3rd choice not going to be pushing Pickford or even replacing may be for U23’s then
— stephen smith (@JesterSmith1976) July 17, 2020
Obviously thinking of getting rid of pickford then. Good
— efc1878 (@efc1978) July 17, 2020
Perri’s status as the back-up at Sao Paulo has left some Everton fans opposed to the prospect of a transfer, feeling that it would be a ‘massive gamble’ to take on a player who failed to make a single appearance during a loan spell with Crystal Palace in the second half of the 2018/19 season.
3rd choice at Sao Paolo. Not for me thanks.
— h00gie (@craigw1878) July 17, 2020
Who? We’re championship fodder
— Adam Done (@AdamDone) July 17, 2020
Behave that’s a massive massive gamble
— Gilroy (@GilroyElbow) July 17, 2020
£36m for who now? Anyone seen him play?
— Greg (@gregofallgregs) July 17, 2020