Everton goalkeeper Joao Virginia has admitted he had offers in the January transfer window but is not contemplating an exit at this time.
A Bola have an interview with the Everton number two, who is currently in the final six months of his contract at Goodison Park.
The 25-year-old has remained a peripheral figure at Everton this season as he continues to play the back-up role behind Jordan Pickford.
The England number one’s continued strong performances mean that Virginia has not been given a look in, aside from appearances in the EFL Cup and FA Cup, both of which Everton have now exited.
It raises questions about his future at the club, particularly as he is in the final six months of his deal. Everton, though, have a clause to extend that should they wish.
Viriginia has already admitted he is waiting for the Toffees to make a choice on that front, with interest in January not coming to anything.
“The interest is there and there was interest from several markets, not only from Benfica, but from other big companies in Europe, but nothing has developed,” he said.
“Everton have been clear; he wants me to stay. They really value my work; they really believe in me. Everton didn’t let me leave in this market and they didn’t let me leave in the previous one either, because they believe in my potential.”
One potential route for Virginia would be a return to Portugal, where he started his career and has returned on loan in the past.
He came through the youth ranks at Benfica, playing for the U15s and U17s before joining Arsenal in 2016 and then moving to Everton.
He then returned with Sporting Club de Portugal in 2021, spending the season on loan with the Super Lig side before returning to Everton the following summer.
Several reports have indicated that Benfica could be interested in a reunion and Virginia admits that he would be open to that.
“Returning to Benfica is something I look at very positively, it’s the club where I was trained, where I grew up as a player, since I was little. I know there is interest and that you follow my path, but nothing has moved forward, nothing concrete,” he added.
