Ruben Vinagre in Merseyside for medical as Everton close to securing deal
Everton are close to securing a deal for Sporting CP defender Ruben Vinagre.
The Guardian journalist, Fabrizio Romano shared on Twitter on 26 July that Vinagre is already on Merseyside to undergo his medical tests, and that personal terms are agreed.
The Toffees are closing in on a loan deal, while final details are left to be resolved on the value of the buy-option clause.
Get it done
As per reports from Portugal, a loan deal has been agreed with Everton to pay the full amount of his wages.
Romano suggests that Vinagre is keen on the move, as all indications suggest that the second major signing is about to happen.
This has been a very frustrating window for the Toffees, with the club only managing to add James Tarkowski, who joined on a free transfer.
Vinagre is a versatile defender who can play in a back four or as a wing-back in a back five.
The 23-year-old has previous experience in the Premier League, and he would be a very good signing for the club.
Everton signed Vitalii Mykolenko in January, but there is a lack of cover in that area.
Jonjoe Kenny, who played as a left-back at times, has left the club, while Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey are at best only make-shift options.
Niels Nkounkou has returned from a loan spell and he remains an option though, but it seems Lampard wants a player with more experience in that department.