Everton have already had an active transfer window, signing two new defenders in Nathan Patterson and Vitaliy Mykolenko during the first week of the transfer window, and continue to be linked to a number of players as Rafa Benitez tries to change the direction that Everton are heading in with them currently 15th in the Premier League and just six points away from the relegation zone.
What's the word?
According to Brazilian news outlet, UOL Deportes, a €15m (£12.5m) bid from Shaktar Donetsk for Everton transfer target, David Neres, has been rejected by Ajax.
The report claims that Ajax value the 24 year old midfielder at, at least €20m (£16.6m), with his contract running out in June 2023.
Everton were linked to Neres over the weekend, with Jeunes Footeux reporting that the Merseyside club were one of many that were interested in securing his signature, including Newcastle United.
Neres was hailed "quality" by his current manager, Erik Ten Hag, who previously spoke about interest from other clubs who wanted to sign the player in 2019:
“It’s so complex and there are so many people involved in Ajax at the moment that it may happen,
“But technically I don’t want to lose a quality player like Neres, because we need him. ”
Rafa must swoop
Now that Shaktar Donetsk have made a bid and had it rejected, it could be time to step up the chase for the Ajax forward, if Benitez is serious about signing him.
The £18m-rated star has been drawing attention to himself in the Eredivisie, with four goals and two assists so far this season, and could definitely help Everton with their attacking output if they were able to beat their competitors to the signing of the striker.
Everton have been struggling to control games and not scoring enough goals to take three points, with the side conceding 1.78 goals, but only scoring 1.28 goals per game this season according to FootyStats, which has as a result seen the side struggle to climb the league table into a comfortable position in the top half of the table.
The Spanish manager must look for ways to seize the opportunity of the transfer window, by making signings in key areas during the transfer window, and adding a young forward into the attacking line would surely give Benitez options for a fresh perspective.
That's especially when the side is struggling to find chances to score during the second half of the season and beyond. Thus, Neres would be the perfect signing for this particular issue that Everton will need to fix if they want to rewrite the story of their campaign so far.
Words from a certain Jose Mourinho also add to the viewpoint of why Everton have to sign him.
Speaking about his heritage and performances, the Portuguese commented: "David Neres fully reflects what a Brazilian player should be. For me, he is the best of the new generation."
As a result, he is a player that would surely light up proceedings at Goodison Park.
In other news: Journo gives perspective on potential Barkley signing