Everton are struggling to come to an agreement with Youssef Chermiti over wages.
That’s according to O Jogo, who have reported that the Sporting Lisbon forward has turned down their first proposal.
After making his senior debut earlier this year, Chermiti picked up three goals and two assists in the final months of the campaign – with his first goal claiming all three points in a 1-0 win over Rio Ave in February.
The 19-year-old has since attracted interest from Everton and it looked like the Toffees were set to quickly seal a deal for Chermiti, with Fabrizio Romano reporting that he would be due in England for his medical once personal terms had been agreed.
However, the two parties are yet to come to an agreement as Everton’s first proposal is thought to be far from what Chermiti wants. It’s unclear what the Portuguese striker is demanding, however he was believed to be earning just short of £13,000-per-week in Lisbon.
Sky Sports reported yesterday that Everton would land Chermiti before their final pre-season friendly against Sporting on Saturday, however the youngster will have limited time with the first team if it takes a while to come to an agreement.
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Youssef Chermiti could be one of Everton’s lowest-paid players
While Youssef Chermiti is likely to earn a raise on the salary he has been raking in at the Estadio Jose Alvalade, he could still be named as one of Everton’s lowest-paid player.
Andy Lonergan, Tom Cannon and Joao Virginia are believed to be the only players currently earning less than Chermiti, while he could surpass Jarrad Branthwaite’s £15k-per-week contract.
The teenager would accept the Toffees low-balling him if he is set to be given a chance to challenge Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Sean Dyche’s side will have to be willing to fork out a bit more cash if they are to bring in the Portugal youth international.