Everton official in Portugal this weekend – Planning for signings rather than a new manager

Everton had a ‘spy’ at the match between Benfica and Famalicao on Saturday, reports Record.

They weren’t there alone, with the game attracting a large number of scouts from clubs outside of Portugal, all planning for signings ahead of future transfer windows.

Along with Everton were officials from Manchester United, Atletico Madrid, Nice, Toulouse, Real Sociedad, Villarreal, Sevilla, Valencia, Sheffield Wednesday and Blackburn Rovers.

Benfica won the match 4-0, with 30 year old Pizzi their Man of the Match. He scored two of the goals and assisted another from his role on the right of midfield.

Ruben Dias had a steady match in defence and 18 year old Tomás Tavares was one of the Lisbon club’s best performers, with the youngster impressing at right back.

Tavares looks a reasonable target for Everton, depending on what the club plan to do with their right-back position. Any move would be more likely in the summer rather than the January transfer window.