Everton Eye Ex-Shakhtar Ace Bernard as Bolasie Replacement
By Tom Power
Blues one of three Premier League sides interested in signing Brazilian free agent
Everton have apparently turned their attentions to signing free agent and ex-Shakhtar Donetsk star Bernard.
Portuguese football journalist Andersinho Marques claimed on his personal Twitter account that the Toffees are one of three Premier League clubs in for him.
Merseyside rivals Liverpool and north Londoners Arsenal are also thought to be in the running for Bernard’s signature.
The 25-year-old chose not to renew his contract with the Ukrainian side at the end of June.
Bernard was a one-time target of Manchester City and Barcelona but that duo is not expected to make a move for him.
And Marques believes that Bernard will end up playing is football in England’s top flight this coming season due to those teams he has mentioned.
The Brazil international made 157 appearances for Shakhtar across five seasons, and weighed in with 28 goals and 35 appearances.
Those figures came after he completed a £15m move from Atletico Mineiro in his homeland to the Ukrainian giants.
Bernard had lifted 10 trophies with Shakhtar before his departure including a treble last season, with winners’ medals earned from the league, Ukrainian Cup and Ukrainian Super Cup.
The winger, who can play on either flank, has 14 senior caps to his name with Brazil but hasn’t featured at all under current boss Tite – his last appearance coming at the 2014 World Cup in his home nation.
Despite not receiving international recognition of late, Bernard would still be a good signing on a free for Everton.
His pace, trickery and eye for goal would be welcome additions to Marco Silva’s squad and provide further competition for places at Goodison Park.
His possible arrival could nail the final coffin in Yannick Bolasie’s Blues career, with the Congo forward said to be heading for the exit door.
Bolasie has interested plenty of Turkish clubs of late but Everton would have to take a financial hit as none would pay the £28m that the Blues shelled out for him two seasons ago.
Next: Morgan Schneiderlin Everton Future in Doubt as Midfield Duo Linked
Bernard would be a cheaper, younger and hungry alternative to Bolasie and should be on Everton’s radar if they want to significantly strengthen this summer.