Everton coup as they snap up Brazil star

EVERTON have signed exciting Brazilian forward Bernard after holding off interested clubs both at home and abroad. The deal will be announced today, subject to a work permit, with Bernard due for a medical on Merseyside. The free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk is seen as a coup for Goodison Park manager Marco Silva, whose personal intervention swung the deal Everton’s way. Bernard, 25, had been considering offers from Chelsea and West Ham as well as AC Milan and Inter Milan. Tottenham were also linked with the player but had not made their intentions clear. Italian media were even heralding his impending arrival in Serie A. Ambitious West Ham, big spenders in this window, were confident at the end of last week but were unclear about his role in their team already packed with attacking flair. Bernard, with 14 caps for Brazil and who cost Shakhtar £40million, can play as an inside forward coming off the left side or as a No 10 behind a striker. He is understood to be relishing the chance to form an exciting attacking partnership with fellow Brazilian Richarlison, signed last month from Watford. With the transfer window closing on Thursday, Everton are delighted to have completed the deal despite late interest from Chelsea. Bernard’s arrival is likely to pave the way for 29-year-old winger Yannick Bolasie to return to Crystal Palace. The Congo winger has been told he has no future under Silva and is waiting for Palace to agree a deal. Championship managers have also expressed interest, along with clubs in Turkey. Everton, however, hope to complete further signings before Thursday. Talks are continuing with Stoke City over £14m-rated midfielder Badou Ndiaye while they are waiting for Marcos Rojo to be given the all-clear to leave Manchester United. A £28m fee for Barcelona defender Yerry Mina has been outlined but Rojo has always been Everton’s top target. Everton face competition from Lyon for Mina who has also had an approach from Manchester United. Mina was discussed as part of a proposed deal for France’s World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba which has since been dismissed by United.