Everton are now pushing for a £83m midfielder this month but are set to face competition for his signature from Premier League rivals, according to a publication.
Everton are looking for new midfielders for Moyes
In December, it was reported that two of Sean Dyche main goals in the January transfer window he was set to bring in a new right-back and winger, meaning they are likely to be seen as priority positions under the new manager. David Moyes.
However, the Candies clearly feel that signing a new central midfielder could help their chances of survival this season as they are now in talks over a deal for Brighton & Hove Albion’s Jakub Moderwho struggled to find playing time for the Seagulls.
Newcastle Untied’s Sean Langstaff has also been identified as a January targetwith the 27-year-old now in line to become Moyes’ first signing.
The Merseyside club have been eyeing a midfielder since the summer, and at some point they were aiming at Ricardo Rios of Palmeirabut the Colombian eventually ended up staying in Brazil.
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But now there was one development in Everton’s pursuit of Rioswith Caught Offside reported to be pushing hard to get a deal done in the January transfer window.
It’s unclear how much Palmeiras would like to receive for the 24-year-old, but there is a €100m release clause in his contract, so it’s unlikely to come cheap, especially considering he’s only just put pen to paper. to map out a new agreement.
Interest from elsewhere could also drive up the midfielder’s price, with Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Nottingham Forest also bidding for his signature, having impressed with his consistency in Brazil’s Serie A.
What Rios could offer Everton
Scout Ben Mattinson has previously given an overview of the type of player the Colombia international is.
Back in the summer, Mattinson too he explained that the central midfielder has “high potential” but was not ready for a big move due to a lack of experience.
However, the former Flamengo man continued to impress last season, being are ranked as the fifth best performing player in the Palmeiras team by WhoScored and placed in 89th percentile for tackles per 90 last year, compared to his peers in similar leagues.
It would be a risk to sign Rios as he is unproven outside of Brazil, but his performances last season suggest he could be a bet worth assuming with his release clause figure down as Moyes looks to lead Everton in safety.
