Word stemming from the European media on Friday suggests that Everton have set their sights on a swoop for Manchester United midfielder Andreas Pereira.
Rafa arrives
It has of course proven a summer of change on the blue half of Merseyside.
On the back of an altogether disappointing campaign last time out, which, despite promising so much, eventually culminated in a 10th-placed Premier League finish, Carlo Ancelotti opted to call time on his short Toffees stint back in June.
The Italian, who had been viewed as the ideal candidate to guide the club into a prosperous new era, left Everton high and dry, to secure a return to Spain with Real Madrid.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 1: Carlo Ancelotti speaks to referee Chris Kavanagh after the Premier League match between Everton FC and Manchester United at Goodison Park on March 1, 2020 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
The Blues hierarchy, in turn, were left with a tough task in replacing their decorated boss, with a whole host of tacticians, in the wake of Ancelotti’s exit, having been tipped to take up the club’s reins.
In the end, though, despite a considerable backlash on the part of the club’s fans, Farhad Moshiri and co. opted to move for Rafael Benitez, with the Spaniard having put pen to paper on a three-year deal back on Merseyside:
Our new manager. pic.twitter.com/1FulLthzyF
— Everton (@Everton) June 30, 2021
Reds star eyed
The Benitez era is now well underway, with the ex-Napoli boss currently in the process of putting his new charges through their paces, ahead of the fast-approaching Premier League season.
And the Spaniard, for his part, has not been shy about putting his personal stamp on Everton’s squad, with it having been made clear, according to widespread reports, that star midfielder James Rodriguez is not part of Benitez’s plans.
On the incomings front, meanwhile, the Toffees have sealed cut-price deals for all of Asmir Begovic, Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend.
👀 | Taking a closer look at our two new wingers in training today… 💫@andros_townsend 🎥 @22Demarai
— Everton (@Everton) July 24, 2021
And, as outlined above, on Friday, a fresh name has been tipped to make the move to Goodison before the transfer window slams shut later this month.
The player in question? Andreas Pereira.
Brazilian midfielder Pereira is fresh off a largely underwhelming campaign in 2020/21, which saw him manage just a trio of Serie A starts during a loan stint with Lazio.
In turn, the 25-year-old has since returned to parent club Manchester United.
With the likes of Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes, Scott McTominay and Fred comfortably ahead of Pereira in the midfield pecking order at Old Trafford, though, it always looked likely that the South American would ultimately be moved on once again this summer.
And now, as per a report from transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Everton have stepped forward.
The Toffees, amongst a host of other clubs, appear keen to clinch’s Pereira’s signature as part of a loan agreement. Those in a position of power in Manchester, though, would rather a definitive sale.
Everton have approached Manchester United for Andreas Pereira. Many clubs are interested in signing Andreas on loan, Man Utd still prioritize permanent sale 🇧🇷 #EFC #MUFC @mattemoretto
As per @fredcaldeira, Flamengo asked for Andreas Pereira on loan sharing his salary. 🔴
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) August 13, 2021
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