Silva says Everton working on making Gomes loan permanent

With the January transfer window nearing, there is a growing chorus of voices now wanting Andre Gomes’ loan deal from Barcelona to be made permanent. Yesterday, teammate Yerry Mina got into the act too, and now Everton manager Marco Silva has chimed in as well with some thoughts (Daily Star).

“I think at first, I agree, he is doing very well. But what is most important for me is the team and the squad, I think it is not fair just to talk about Andre.

”If Andre is doing well then he is helping our squad. He is getting better every time, taking his responsibility in the squad is important for me as well. But if he is doing well it is because his teammates are helping him since the first day.

”He’s enjoyed his first two months but let’s see what we can do. We are working on that, I don’t know if I have answer in one week or two weeks.

”It is not something that it is in our hands. The best scenario to look at is - it is not just in our hands as a club, not just in the hands of Andre, there is a third party as well.

“Barcelona are included, let’s see when we can talk about the situation.”

The player himself is quite pleased to be at Everton, and has indicated that he is happy with the club.

“I am sure I made the best decision [to join Everton]. Of course, I had other offers. Marco was very important for me - the way he spoke to me and the confidence he gave me. I spoke with him a few times before I made the decision.

“I spoke with Phil Neville, too. I am good friends with him from my time at Valencia, and he played here and he knew how the club works. I spoke to Lucas Digne, too. He played with me in Barcelona, he signed two or three weeks before me and he gave me information about the club and the facilities.

“I am glad to be at Everton now and really happy with the decision. I am getting confidence and better every day so I am really happy with that.

“I think things here are changing. The club wants to grow and the philosophy now is to enjoy every game and try to win every game. The focus is always on being positive and getting the most points we can.

“It was easy for me [to settle in]. The boys here are amazing. The spirit and the way you feel like part of a family is really important – and all the boys here and the staff and Everton are amazing. And the fans, too, the way they receive you is great.

“I’m really happy and I think it was easy for all the other new signings settle in, too.”

The midfield has certainly looked more stable and competent while adding an incisive touch with Gomes now a regular starter, so hopefully this is a sign f better things to come.