View: Everton must avoid Felipe Anderson move at all costs amid reported interest
Everton are being linked with a surprise swoop to sign Felipe Anderson from West Ham this month – but it is a deal the Toffee must avoid at all costs.
TEAMtalk claims that Carlo Ancelotti’s men are considering a move to sign the Brazilian, with Bernard on the verge of leaving Goodison Park.
The former Shakhtar Donetsk man is reportedly closing in on a move to Roma and Anderson, who is currently on loan at FC Porto, is now being viewed as a potential replacement.
The report claims that concerns over Anderson’s relationship with Porto boss Sergio Conceicao will see the winger return to London this month, to either be sold or loaned out elsewhere.
Rumours surrounding his relationship and attitude towards Conceicao should be a major red flag for Everton.
During his final few months at West Ham last season, there were suggestions that the Brazilian’s attitude was below par to say the least.
Sam Delaney, co-host of The Athletic’s U Irons podcast, labelled the winger as ‘nothing short of a disgrace’ following his performances in claret and blue.
Meanwhile, West Ham United legend Clyde Best told The Athletic that Anderson was a player who needed to ‘put his big-man pants on and work his arse off’.
It is not exactly the kind of attitude that Ancelotti will want around his current squad, especially if it resulted in him potentially blocking future first-team opportunities for youngsters like Anthony Gordon.
The latter has been on the fringes of the first-team squad this season, making six appearances in all competitions so far.
Ancelotti has previously vowed to integrate the Toffees youngster into his first-team squad and make him an Everton regular, so a move to bring in Anderson, even as a back-up, would go completely against his promise to Gordon.
Gordon is one for the future and should be prioritised ahead of other potential signings if Bernard leaves the club this month.
In other Everton news, all-action midfielder Sami Khedira should not be written off by Everton fans just yet