Evertons transfer news and gossip: Toffees eye Chelsea defender, Correa prefers Inter Milan

Everton have just eight days remaining to complete any remaining deals before the transfer window shut on Tuesday, August 31.

Since taking the Goodison Park driving seat in June, Rafa Benitez has made three signings so far in Demarai Gray (Bayer Leverkusen), Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace) and Asmir Begovic (Bournemouth).

The Spaniard will likely want a few more recruits through the door before deadline day, with a squad overhaul required.

Here are the latest news and transfer rumours to come out of the blue half of Merseyside.

Attempted hijack looks futile

Everton have attempted to hijack Hertha Berlin forward Matheus Cunha’s move to Atletico Madrid.

The Toffees have entered the race for the 22-year-old, while Premier League rivals Leeds United are also keen.

Atletico have agreed a €30 million fee for Cunha, although the deal is not rubber-stamped yet.

But the Brazilian, who helped his country win Olympic gold this summer along with Everton’s Richarlison, prefers a move to Spain and looks poised to join the La Liga champions. (Sky Deutschland)

Chelsea defender eyed

Rafa Benitez is considering a move for Chelsea defender Malang Sarr.

The France youth international moved to Stamford Bridge from Nice last summer and spent the 2020-21 season on loan at Porto.

Sarr’s not been involved in either of Chelsea’s opening Premier League fixtures of the campaign and is behind the likes of Thiago Silva, César Azpilicueta and Antonio Rudiger in the pecking order.

Serie A side Bologna are keen on taking the 22-year-old on loam for the season.

But Everton are also exploring the possibility of bringing Sarr to Merseyside. (Gianluca Di Marzio)

Blues set for Correa blow

Lazio forward Joaquin Correa would prefer to stay in Italy rather than moving to Everton.

Director Igli Tare has confirmed that the Argentina international wants to leave the Rome-based club this summer.

Reports over the weekend suggested that Everton have made a bid £32 million with add-ons for Correa.

However, Serie A champions Inter Milan are also keen and that looks the 27-year-old’s likeliest destination. (Fabrizio Romero).

Keeper’s departure soon to be announced

Goalkeeper Joao Virginia is already training with Sporting Lisbon - despite his loan move away from Goodison Park yet to be finalised.

Everton signed veteran stopper Andy Lonergan last week to provide cover to Jordan Pickford and Asmir Begovic, paving the way for Virginia’s temporary departure.

The 21-year-old’s season-long loan to Sporting could be officially announced tomorrow.

The Portuguese outfit will also have the option to make the transfer permanent for €3.5 million next summer (record.pt)

✉️ Contact us: email us at [email protected] or find us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.