Everton have had a £14 million offer turned down by Benfica for Greek international Andreas Samaris, according to a report in Portuguese paper A Bola.
The Toffees are looking to continue their summer spending spree with the capture of Samaris, as they look to seal the deal ahead of fellow Premier League side Newcastle United.
It is believed the midfielder has a release clause of £40 million, however, Benfica are willing to listen to offers around the £17 million mark, meaning Everton and Newcastle both have to bump their respective offers up.
Samaris, 29, joined the Portuguese giants for a fee in the region of £8.5 million in 2014 from Greek side Olympiakos and has helped them to three consecutive league titles.
In his three years with Benfica, he has made 110 appearances across all competitions, only finding the back of the net on two occasions and contributing five assists.
