Everton have launched a bid of £25.5m to sign Portuguese midfielder Florentino Luis from Benfica, according to Correio de Manha.
In page 11 of the Portuguese publication’s 31 May edition, journalist Antonio Pereira reports that Florentino is the subject of an opening bid from Everton, but that Benfica president Rui Costa is seeking an additional £8.5m.
The 24-year-old is among several defensive midfield options on Sean Dyche’s shopping list, and has played 38 times in all club competitions for the Liga Portugal runners-up this season.
Pereira notes: “Rui Costa intends to receive another 10 million [euros].
“Benfica are open to negotiating [for] the 24-year-old midfielder, but for a price he considers fair. Florentino has a contract until 2027 and a release clause of 120 million euros.”
Everton’s defensive midfielder search steps up
Dyche and the recruitment team at Goodison Park are wasting no time in strengthening this Everton squad, which the Blues boss will also be hoping can remain as tight-knit as possible with limited outgoings – though the likes of Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin could be tempted away.
