Everton midfielder Andre Gomes is attracting interest from Benfica, according to reports, as the Portuguese club prepare to spend following the impending transfer of Darwin Nunez to Liverpool.
The ECHO has reported that Liverpool are on the verge of completing the £85m signing of the Benfica star who netted 34 goals in 41 appearances across the 2021/22 campaign. Nunez has emerged as one of the most sought-after forwards in Europe and his exploits last season included six Champions league goals and two against the Anfield at the quarter-final stage.
And ironically, Everton could benefit from the club record acquisition of their Merseyside rivals. As Benfica look to spend some of the incoming cash, they want to sign the Blues midfielder, according to The Sunday Mirror.
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Gomes has made 100 appearances for Everton since his £22m move to Goodison Park in 2019, which followed an impressive season-long loan spell. However, after initially thriving, a serious ankle injury in November 2019 hampered his progress, and the Toffees haven’t seen the best of the 29-time Portuguese international since.
Gomes still has two years left on his contract at Everton and the club would reportedly be receptive to a deal as Frank Lampard and director of football Kevin Thelwell look to reshape and rejuvenate the squad.
The midfielder has previous at Benfica, having played for the club from 2012-2015 after joining their youth system at 18. He impressed and moved on to Valencia where he excelled and was signed by Barcelona.
Gomes made 19 appearances for Everton last year, scoring once, in the FA Cup victory over Hull City.