Everton are very interested in Ajax forward David Neres
Everton are very much interested in signing Ajax forward David Neres this month, according to French outlet Jeunes Footeux.
The Brazil international, 24, is also wanted by Lyon, who have identified him as a replacement for Xherdan Shaqiri, while Newcastle United are keeping tabs on him too.
The Toffees are keen to bolster their attacking ranks before the January transfer window shuts, and while Neres is valued at £17million by transfermarkt, Jeunes Footeux reckons he could be available for less given his contract situation and lack of playing opportunities.
Chance?
Everton have landed some bargain deals by signing defensive duo Vitaliy Mykolenko and Nathan Patterson to strengthen at left-back and right-back, respectively, and being able to snap up the Ajax star this winter for less than £15million could be a huge deal.
With just 18 months left on his deal, the Eredivisie outfit could be open to cashing in on him this month when he still has some value.
Neres has started just three league games in 2021-22, coming off the bench 12 times, but he has managed to score thrice and assist twice.
The versatile attacking midfielder can play on both wings and through the middle, and injury-ravaged Everton could do with such a quality option.
Neres has long been linked with a move to the Premier League, and the chance to get his form back under Rafa Benitez could be appealing.
Demarai Gray has been a revelation under the Spaniard at Goodison Park, and the Brazilian could be next after recent struggles.
He did manage to score thrice and assist six others in 25 league games last term, but he will be hoping to move where he can rediscover the form of 2017-18 when he scored 14 league goals and weighed in with 11 goals.
Could that be on the blue half of Merseyside?
In other Everton news, the Toffees are plotting January loan-to-buy bid for centre-mid hailed by Jack Grealish last month.
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