Everton are in the market for a central midfielder this summer transfer window.
Abdoulaye Doucoure and Orel Mangala have left Everton and as such, there is a big void in the middle of the park.
Harrison Armstrong is really impressing in pre-season, however, David Moyes remains keen to add another top-quality number eight to his ranks.
Douglas Luiz is on Moyes’ radar and it’s understood Everton are in direct talks with Juventus over a loan deal with an obligation to buy next summer.
Richard Rios was also being considered by the Toffees, however, they’ve not just lost out in the race to land his signature.
Everton miss out in Richard Rios race
Everton fans were really hoping to sign Rios after his impressive FIFA Club World Cup campaign with Palmeiras.
But, they’re now set to miss out along with Nottingham Forest and Roma, as Benfica have won the race to sign the 25-year-old.
Fabrizio Romano reports that the Portuguese outfit have now agreed a deal with Palmeiras and Rios will fly to Lisbon next week to complete a medical.
The Colombia international joins for a fee in the region of £26m, which will sting Moyes and his chiefs.
Everton had the chance to sign Rios for just £16m in January, so that now looks like a real wasted opportunity.
Everton all in on Douglas Luiz
Whilst it’s clearly another target missed for Everton, it seems Moyes’ first choice is Luiz anyway, the only stumbling block with that deal is Juve’s demands.
The Serie A giants want a permanent deal and value the former Aston Villa midfielder at around £34m, so Everton will likely have to make a second offer without a loan-to-buy structure.
Moyes is serious about signing Luiz, so the Friedkin Group are expected to release the funds required to complete a transfer.
Merlin Rohl is an alternative target for Everton after his impressive season with Freiburg and Germany’s under-21s.
West Ham United’s Tomas Soucek is also thought to be on Moyes’ shortlist.
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