Marco Silva has made it clear that Everton wish to keep Andre Gomes in the summer, but Marca are reporting that the Toffees may have to break the bank to seal the deal.
It was claimed early on Monday by Marca that Barcelona intend to cash in on whatever club wish to pursue the 2016 European Championship winner, as well as Denis Suarez, and recoup €40million (£34.5m) between them.
That article went on to suggest, however, that the La Liga leaders would be seeking ‘another’ €40m (£34.5m) for Gomes on his own, despite previously suggesting the fee was a combined total – Suarez’s loan deal at Arsenal holds a €20m (£17.25m) option to buy clause.
In what could act as a setback to our efforts, as a further update from Marca unfortunately later clarified, which claimed that the Spanish giants do indeed feel they can receive the €40m (£34.5m) fee for the 29-cap Portugal international alone.
As we are not privy to an option to buy, Marcel Brands will have to negotiate with them a more suitable arrangement if a permanent deal can be struck.
There are other areas of the side that require strengthening and improving, so splashing a sizable figure on Gomes could dent our efforts elsewhere.