Blow for Everton as £21m target prefers return to homeland instead of staying in England
Everton have been linked with Manchester United outcast Andreas Pereira. Fabrizio Romano broke the news a few days ago that the Toffees had enquired about the Brazilian and were interested in taking the 25 year old on loan.
Romano also said that Flamengo asked about a loan, sharing his salary. However, the Red Devils prioritize a summer sale instead of loaning the 25 year old. Everton’s recent dormancy in the transfer window suggests that the club is being very careful in not breaching any Financial Fair Play regulations. Rafa Benitez has already spoken in his press conferences that he wants to be ambitious in the window but the club also needs to be careful with all the regulations.
Perhaps, deadwood needs to be offloaded and players who do not fit in Benitez’s plans need to be sold. The futures of James Rodriguez, Fabian Delph, Moise Kean, and even Andre Gomes remain in limbo.
Pereira naturally plays as an attacking midfielder but can slot into right midfield and even play as a central midfielder. Everton are probably looking to strengthen the No.10 area and eye Pereira as a viable option. However, it seems that the Merseysiders have received a blow in the chase.
Everton receive Andreas Pereira blow
According to Fred Caldeira (TNT Sports), Andreas Pereira has rejected the Everton proposal and has decided to play for Flamengo. The Brazilian feels that playing in his homeland will boost his chances of playing for the Selecao in the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
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The Toffees were said to be ahead in the race but Pereira is keen to move to Brazil. The obstacle for Flamengo is to convince Manchester United for a loan. United is pushing for a sale but so far no bids have arrived on the table.
Pereira wants regular playing time and is prepared to leave Manchester United after spending time away on loan at Lazio last season. Flamengo and Pereira want to complete the deal as soon as possible but it now depends on Manchester United.
As for Everton, this could hamper their plans as they aim for smart and cheap transfers rather than spending big money. If James Rodriguez does depart, the Toffees will want to have depth in the No.10 role despite Demarai Gray and Alex Iwobi being capable of playing in that position. Pereira would’ve been a utility option but that proposition seems out of the window for now.
With a little over two weeks to go for the transfer window deadline, things should pick up pace as clubs press the frantic mode and accelerate negotiations. Everton also are searching for a right back and have been linked with Aurelio Buta.
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How many more players will the Toffees sign before the end of the summer transfer window?