EVERTON are hopeful of signing Benfica midfielder Manuel Fernandes within the next 24 hours.
The Goodison outfit are closing in on a deal for the 21-year-old for a fee believed to be in the region of £8million.
David Moyes opted to move for the Portugal international after seeing his attempts to sign FC Porto’s Luis Gonzalez flounder earlier this week.
Fernandes spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison, and made no secret of his desire to make the switch permanent after scoring two goals, including a memorable strike against Manchester United, in nine appearances.
Benfica were originally asking for £12m, but reduced their asking price after conceding defeat in persuading the player to remain at the club.
The Portuguese star is expected to open talks today and Everton are confident he can become their latest summer signing following the arrivals of Phil Jagielka, Leighton Baines and the on-loan Steven Pienaar.
Meanwhile, Alan Stubbs believes Everton team-mate Joleon Lescott can break into the England set-up this season. Lescott’s stock has risen significantly since making the step up to the top flight from Coca-Cola Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers last summer.
The 24-year-old’s fine performances following his £5million arrival at Goodison led to international recognition in May when he appeared for the England B team against Albania.
Jamie Carragher included Lescott in a batch of up-and-coming young English defenders as he revealed he was considering his own international retirement.
And Everton defender Stubbs said: “It speaks volumes that another player from across the park is talking him up.
“I think Joleon can become an England regular. I’d have no qualms about him stepping up to the international stage, he’s more than good enough to do that. I’ve played alongside him and been very impressed by him.”
Lescott played much of last season in an emergency left-back role, but is likely to be used more often in his preferred central position with Leighton Baines having this week been signed from Wigan Athletic.
And Stubbs added: “He had a great season last season, but this season will be tougher for him,” he said. “People will know what he is all about, and this season it will be another challenge for Joleon. It’s okay doing it over one season, but it’s over a number of seasons when people will start to sit up and take notice.”
Mikel Arteta acknowledges the importance of beginning their season on a winning note.
While Everton got off to a flier last season with victory over Watford en route to eventually finishing sixth, the previous season’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United was a signal of he struggle David Moyes’s side
“It is very important that we start the season well and it is good that we are at Goodison for the first game,” he said. “When you win the first game it takes the pressure off and gets the confidence high. We do not want a repeat of two seasons ago.
“I am ready and I am really looking forward to it. Hopefully we can get a result.
“We have been preparing really well over the last six weeks and we want to show everybody how prepared we are.”
Steven Pienaar, who has arrived on a season-long loan from Borussia Dortmund, will be available to make his debut tomorrow after his visa problems were rectified.
Change of plans....