Everton will reportedly miss out on Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis this month despite talks with the Portuguese giants over a deal.
The Toffees have very little cash to spend due to following the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability (PSR) rules.
Everton are focusing on loan deals as a result, with Sean Dyche keen to bolster his squad as he prepares for yet another relegation battle at Goodison Park.
Everton are currently one point clear of the relegation zone after receiving a debatable 10-point deduction for breaching PSR and were found guilty of a second, despite both charges.
Therefore, Dyche wants all the help he can get and believes that he will need to close expired deals if the right opportunity arises.
A midfielder or winger appears to be the manager’s priority, but reports suggest that the Merseyside club have let Luis slip through one of their targets.
Manchester United have also been linked with Luis in the past, but their interest in the Benfica star has cooled.
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TEAMtalk’s resources have shown that Everton have been in contact with Benfica to reach an agreement for Luis.
It’s unclear whether this was a permanent arrangement or a loan, though the latter option is more likely.
The 24-year-old defensive midfielder is said to have a canopy for James Garner, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Amadou Onana, Abdoulaye Doucoure and Andre Gomes at Goodison.
As we previously revealed, Onana is a target for multiple clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Newcastle and the Toffees are braced for late offers for him this month.
Everton will ask for a massive payment for the Belgian foreigner and Dyche is incredibly reluctant to sanction his departure.
Doucouré and Gomes are also sidelined due to injuries, so it is possible that Luis simply replaced them and also been a long-term replacement for Gueye, who no longer has his at the age of 34.
However, transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano has revealed that the Toffees will not be able to loan Luis out this month despite their efforts.
“Understand Benfica are not open to let Florentino Luis leave on loan to Everton despite recent links, Romano wrote on X.
“Benfica’s loan is very unlikely for the last days of the window. “
Therefore, Everton will not be able to sign Luis permanently until this month, which at this stage is unlikely.
The Toffees may only fund such a deal if they sell players, with Ben Godfrey being the most likely exit amid links with Leeds.
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