Andre Gomes paves the way for permanent move to Everton after rejecting West Ham offer- Andre Gomes has indicated he is prepared to join Everton permanently
- A deal to make his move from Barcelona permanent could cost more than £30m
- Midfielder is not keen on a move to Manuel Pellegrini's West Ham
Andre Gomes has indicated he is prepared to join Everton permanently after rejecting the opportunity to move to West Ham. Manuel Pellegrini had told West Ham's hierarchy that he wanted to sign the Portugal midfielder but Gomes, who enjoyed an encouraging season on loan at Goodison Park, is not keen on them.
He had also been courted by Tottenham but that move seems unlikely.
Everton would love to keep Gomes, who enjoyed his year on Merseyside, making 27 appearances in the Premier League. Gomes, who has been on the radar of a number of clubs, would be prepared to stay and the onus will now be on Everton to negotiate a deal to make his move from Barcelona happen. He could cost more than £30million. Everton, who released club captain Phil Jagielka on Tuesday, have yet to make a signing this summer but the need to reinforce is pressing and Marcel Brands, the Director of Football, has a job to trim as many 20 professionals from the squad to streamline.
The club have, however, offered a new contract to Leighton Baines and are hopeful that he will sign for another 12 months at some point over the next week. Marco Silva, the head coach, admires his professionalism and talent and said at the end of the season he wanted to keep the left-back.
Baines, who has given outstanding value to the club since he signed for £6million from Wigan in 2007, has been mulling over the terms – as well as considering his status in the group and what opportunities there will be to play – but Everton are confident he will agree to the extension.
They are also aware, though, of the need to bring in new recruits and the urgency to find a striker has been intensified.
Cenk Tosun damaged his knee ligaments last week playing for Turkey against Greece. He does not need an operation but he will not be ready for the beginning of the campaign. Dominic Calvert-Lewin will also miss the start of pre-season, as he will be an integral part of the England Under-21 squad that will attempt to become European Champions in Italy later this month. Oumar Niasse will be the only fit central striker at the start of pre-season but Everton would sell him for the right price.
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