Everton transfer news as approach made to sign Benfica star Florentino Luis at Goodison Park
Everton have made an approach to sign Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis ahead of Thursday’s transfer deadline, according to Pedro Sepulveda.
The Portuguese journalist (29 January) shared on his X account that the Toffees made a proposal to sign the talented defensive midfielder but it was rejected by the Liga NOS giants.
The 24-year-old has long been a target for the Toffees with Portuguese newspaper Record reporting via their print edition (18 February 2023, that Everton were in pursuit of the player.
And it seems as though the Blues have made a last-ditch attempt to sign him which has been rejected out of hand by Benfica.
Sepulveda posted: “Don’t think about it. Everton has already presented the proposal and Benfica has already rejected it. This is over a week old.”
Ambitious
The Toffees are on the move for a defensive midfield signing and have been linked with Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka which certainly suggests they are preparing for Amadou Onana’s exit at Goodison Park.
The Belgian is expected to move on from the club soon enough and it is important Dyche and director of football Kevin Thelwell start planning ahead and Luis is an exceptional option but any move for him now is incredibly difficult.
The 24-year-old is a crucial performer for Benfica and given they are in the middle of an exciting title race in Liga NOs with rivals Sporting Lisbon, they will certainly not want to lose him right now.
It’s impressive that the Toffees have identified such a talented midfield product to bolster their weaponry and they will need to with Idrissa Gueye not getting any younger as well as Onana’s anticipated big move this summer.
Should they allow both players to move on next summer which could generate some much-needed cash given their financial position, a move for Luis won’t be out of their remit.
However, the 24-year-old has also attracted interest from elite clubs in Europe so Everton will be facing a tough and losing battle for his signature.
In other Everton news, a “desperate” twist has emerged in the club’s pursuit of Jake O’Brien.
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