Everton saw an offer for Benfica midfielder Florentino Luis rejected by the Portuguese side last night but are expected to make another effort for him.
That’s according to Diario de Noticias, who say Benfica have refused an offer from Everton, which was a loan with an option to buy.
Reports in Portugal yesterday claimed Everton were interested in Luis and could be set to make a last-minute bid for him in an attempt to bolster Sean Dyche’s squad before the end of the January transfer window.
They’ve now made their ‘first approach’ for the midfielder, presenting an offer to loan him until the end of the season with an option to make the move a permanent one.
This was refused by Benfica president Rui Costa out of hand, but DN report that Everton are ‘considering making another attempt’ to sign the midfielder before the end of the window.
Whether Benfica are open to a deal isn’t mentioned but Florentino has been in and out of the side this season, featuring in just 44% of the minutes in the league and even less in other competitions.
That would suggest he’s not firmly in their plans, something Everton seem keen to take advantage of, although whether they have the finances available to truly tempt the Portuguese side remains to be seen.
