There has been another development in Everton protracted pursuit of Flamengo starlet Reinier.
The Brazilian midfielder was heavily linked with a transfer to Everton this summer, although nothing ultimately materialised. Reports consistently claimed that Everton would pay around €30million, while Reinier would then move to Goodison Park in January, when he is old enough to do so.
The 17-year old has impressed with Brazil’s youth squads, as well as in the limited appearances he has made for Flamengo, and Everton are one of many clubs across the continent who are said to be keen on the starlet.
According to a report earlier this week, Everton had a sizeable offer rejected for Reinier in the summer, with Flamengo not wanting to sell their prized asset. Flamengo reportedly ruled out a deal immediately, instead beginning negotiations on a new contract.
However, journalist Mauro Cezar Pereira (via Sport Witness) doesn’t exactly confirm that story. Pereira claims that while Reinier had a lot of suitors in the summer, Flamengo didn’t receive a single offer for the midfielder.
Pereira does say that approaches have been made though, so unless there is a disconnect between what does and doesn’t constitute an offer, it appears as though Everton have made their interest known but having firmed up a concrete proposal.
Marcel Brands has been eyeing up bright young talent across the globe in his role as director of football, and it appears unlikely that Everton will move on from Reinier until they’re sure a move is dead in the water.
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Reinier has been tipped as such a bright prospect, that if Everton do genuinely hold interest in him, it is unlikely they’ll give in, especially with Silva and Brands having fairly lenient access to Farhad Moshiri’s purse strings.
What Silva needs to focus on more though, is who can immediately improve Everton’s team. He wanted Abdoulaye Doucoure in the summer, and we all know about the clubs pursuit of Wilfried Zaha. While Reinier may be a strong long-term signing, for the expenditure it would set Everton back, I’d rather them target an immediate improvement.
Doucoure would be the man for me, because I rate him highly and I think he would be willing to move to Goodison Park, particularly after the start to the season that Watford have had. I’d have no problem if Everton shored up interest in Reinier, but it wouldn’t be where the money would be going if I was in charge.
