Everton are considering a second bid for Florentino Luis after Benfica rejected their initial offer, according to Diario De Noticias.
The Portuguese newspaper reported [30 January, pg 24] that the Toffees’ first offer for the 24-year-old, a loan with an option to buy, was turned down by club president Rui Costa.
The midfielder has been a rotational player for the current Liga Portugal champions so far, with Orkun Kokcu and Joao Neves preferred to the academy graduate.
Adding depth
Sean Dyche’s midfield selection is arguably his biggest worry at Goodison Park, considering the number of links between his current players and moves away from the club.
Having made 111 senior appearances since making his debut in 2019, sandwiching loan moves to Monaco and Getafe, Luis could be a great defensive addition to Everton’s midfield if they are able to make the deal happen before the transfer window closes.
Although he has 16 league appearances this campaign, he has only been in the starting XI for eight of them. If the Toffees can promise consistent game time, it could be enough to persuade the Benfica man to switch to the English leagues.
FFP worries mean that loan deals are much likelier than permanent deals this month. However, with a loan-to-buy option in the contract, Everton will have possibly freed up funds in the summer from current star players being linked with moves away from Goodison Park.
Abdoulaye Doucoure, Amadou Onana and Idrissa Gana Gueye have all experienced their own injuries this season, leaving Dyche tight for midfield options at times. Luis could be the ideal addition to solve any future problems in the second half of the season.
In other Everton news, the Toffees are now chasing a last-gasp move for an attacking ace who is available before the deadline.
