Everton submit £25.5m bid to sign Florentino Luis, Benfica decide on offer
Everton have launched a bid of £25.5m to sign Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Benfica, according to Correio de Manha.
In page 11 of the Portuguese publication’s 31 May edition, journalist Antonio Pereira reports that Florentino is the subject of an opening bid from Everton, but that Benfica president Rui Costa is seeking an additional £8.5m.
The 24-year-old is among several defensive midfield options on Sean Dyche’s shopping list, and has played 38 times in all club competitions for the Liga Portugal runners-up this season.
Pereira notes: “Rui Costa intends to receive another 10 million [euros].
“Benfica are open to negotiating [for] the 24-year-old midfielder, but for a price he considers fair. Florentino has a contract until 2027 and a release clause of 120 million euros.”
Everton’s defensive midfielder search steps up
Dyche and the recruitment team at Goodison Park are wasting no time in strengthening this Everton squad, which the Blues boss will also be hoping can remain as tight-knit as possible with limited outgoings – though the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be tempted away.
Everton have been linked with a host of ‘six’-style deep-lying midfielders, including Wilfred Ndidi and Ao Tanaka, with Amadou Onana attracting high-profile interest and Dyche clearly identifying the area as a key cog to improve.
Florentino is of a good age profile and has played internationally for Portugal up to Under-21 level, and it’s thought a Premier League move would bolster his chances of a first senior cap.
The Toffees will also have to be very aware of their financial approach to this summer window, with the club seemingly resigned to losing at least one of their prized assets before the start of pre-season in order to comply with the PSR ruling which has plagued them throughout the recent season.
Florentino would certainly provide a boost to the Goodison faithful, and it’s clear from Costa and Benfica’s side of proceedings that the midfielder is available at a price.
In other Everton news, the club have reportedly joined the race to sign a West Ham United star.
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