Everton-linked forward stars in Champions League

Everton have been linked with a number of strikers in the last few weeks, but one name seems to be coming up more and more often. And if the Toffees are indeed in for David Neres, then his recent performances in the spotlight will be doing the Blue no favours at the till.

After scoring in Ajax’s incredible second-leg comeback in the previous round of the Champions League against Real Madrid, Neres equalised with a thrilling run in his side’s 1-1 draw in the first leg of their quarter-final against Juventus last night, to make it seven goals in the last eight games for the young forward.

Reports yesterday in the Brazilian website UOL, as cited by Sport Witness, say the Blues, along with AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain are keen on Neres’ signature in the upcoming summer transfer window.

Neres, 22, joined Ajax from Sao Paulo in his native Brazil in January 2017 for roughly £10 million, has 11 goals in 42 games for the Dutch side, who currently lead Eredivisie ahead of PSV Eindhoven on goal difference.

According to UOL, Everton are ‘ahead’ in the race to sign Neres, who is said to prefer a move to the Premier League, although Milan have reportedly made contact and PSG have made an ‘informal’ approach.

Neres, it is believed, could be sold for a fee of about £38 million, with the transfer becoming ‘more likely’ each day.