Premier League rivals Everton and Arsenal have opened talks over a raid for Ajax and Brazil winger David Neres after his sparkling form this season.
The Telegraph claim on their website that the Toffees and the Gunners have been in contact over snapping up the 22-year-old and that he expected to cost in the region of £34.5million should he leave the Dutch giants, which is expected this summer.
Is he special?
Just ask Real Madrid and Juventus that question? The Brazilian forward, who picked up his first international cap this season, has put both giants of the game to the sword already, scoring against the Spaniards and the Italians in the Champions League.
His record this season is something to behold. With 12 goals and 15 assists across all competitions, it is no wonder the hunt for his capture is heating up and considering his age and versatility, with the ability to play on either flank or in an attacking midfield role, he has the potential to get even better.
Lightning quick, direct and with exceptional ball control, he is everything a manager would want from a winger, which is why it should come as no surprise that the likes of Borussia Dortmund, Manchester United and Chelsea are all credited with tracking his progress.
Where will he fit in at Everton?
Having played both on the right and left wing this season, he could fit in quite comfortably at Goodison Park, battling it out with current starters – and fellow Brazilians – Bernard and Richarlison for a place in the starting XI.
What the Toffees’ pursuit for the 22-year-old should scream is that Theo Walcott should start looking for a new club to take on his £100,000-a-week [Spotrac] contract.
He has slipped down the pecking order this season and quite frankly rightly so. His performances have been a long way from what is expected from the Everton faithful and despite playing in every of the club’s Premier League games, he would not be missed all that much.
His wages could go a long way to helping Neres pick Merseyside over north London too, and so the club should be looking at offloading the English international as soon as possible.
Interesting fact
Neres only made eight league appearances for Sao Paulo’s senior side before Ajax snapped him up from his home city club.