Everton are far from finished in the transfer market, and despite being embroiled in one transfer saga, they are not letting it disrupt their work elsewhere.
After all, with Jaden Philogene’s future still so up in the air, Kevin Thelwell cannot allow the conclusion of this narrative to consume him.
He will have alternative winger targets, and will also be wary about getting drawn into a bidding war for the Hull City winger.
The emergence of fresh reports is a good sign, suggesting that he is still concerning himself with other tasks, as he and Sean Dyche work together to create the best possible squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
Everton’s chances of signing Florentino Luis rated
It seems that, specifically, attention has diverted from out wide to the middle of the park, despite having added Tim Iroegbunam to the team just last month.
The former Aston Villa man’s switch was embroiled in a PSR loophole scandal, but the 21-year-old still promises to be a fine asset for the future.
However, if Amadou Onana does leave Everton, as reports suggest he might, then a more experienced alternative might be needed.
Fortunately, that is exactly what the Toffees have planned, according to today’s report by newspaper Jornal de Notícias.
They claim that Everton boast a good chance of signing Benfica maestro Florentino Luis, with the Portuguese star having been on their radar for some time.
In fact, they even approached him and made concrete offers with the player, who ‘does not close doors’ on an exit from his homeland.
However, the selling club will command no less than a €30m (£25m) fee.
Florentino Luis would complete Everton’s midfield
With Onana’s future another uncertain one, signing Luis as his alternative would arguably complete Everton’s midfield.
After all, given Dyche often prefers to go with just two men in the engine room to screen the backline, he would boast players of all differing profiles, but who are adaptable too.
James Garner showcased his versatility last season, playing as a holding midfielder, attacking midfielder and on the right wing at times too.
Meanwhile, Idrissa Gana Gueye stepped in when needed with some important goals and an unrelenting work rate too.
Onana was classy yet combative, a role that Luis could swiftly employ should he be brought in, whilst Abdoulaye Doucoure could also drop deeper if needed to accommodate new man Iliman Ndiaye.
Iroegbunam provides further cover to the midfield.
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