Everton want to sign Brazilian youngster Andrey Santos – report
Everton are battling with Barcelona for the signing of 17-year-old Vasco De Gama midfield starlet Andrey Santos, according to UOL.
The midfielder has been watched by the Catalan giants several times over the last few months and has attracted the interest of the Toffees too.
The youngster currently has a contract that expires in 2023, but it has a huge €30m (£25m) release clause.
However according to the information of Brazilian outlet UOL, there have already been discussions between the Vasco Da Gama and clubs about a deal of around €6-7m (£4.9-5.8m).
Andrey has been capped by the national team at Under-15, Under-17’s and Under-18’s teams so far during his career and is very highly rated.
Future plans
Everton have been accused of not planning for the future properly in recent weeks because of their manager chase, but this points to some sort of long-term plan.
Andrey is the youngest first-team player in Vasco history after making his debut for the team last year aged just 16-years-old.
In 29 appearances for the youth team last season he scored six goals and impressed with his ability to dribble, drive from box-to-box and his efficient passing.
Everton have currently got plenty of young players who are making an impression, with their path to the first-team potentially opening in the near future as they look to avoid relegation.
Although this would likely be a signing for the academy initially and it’s too early to tell just how good he can be, it’s a good sign that club are looking to sign talented youth to bring through even at a point where the first-team is struggling.
In other Everton news, Premier League club ‘would appeal to’ Everton star, bid expected in Jan – report