Everton confident of Bernard coup

Everton are on the verge of announcing the signing of Brazilian forward Bernard on a free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk, while they are also trying to secure a £28 million deal for Barcelona centre-back Yerry Mina.

Marco Silva has fought off the interest of West Ham, AC Milan and Inter among others, to lure 26-yearold Bernard to Goodison Park. It is a coup for the newly-appointed coach, adding much-needed ammunition to his front line. Bernard can play in various attacking midfield roles or just behind the striker.

Bernard’s arrival may now facilitate the departure of Yannick Bolasie, who has been linked with a return to former club Crystal Palace. Bolasie will be allowed to leave for the right offer.

With the addition of another Brazilian, Richarlison, Everton’s front line should be radically different this season. Bernard has pedigree, having won 14 caps for his country.

Silva still wants to add a centreback before the transfer window closes as he starts the process of reshaping the Everton squad and their style of football.

Everton are keen on Mina, who was one of Colombia’s best performers at the World Cup in Russia, but face competition from Lyon.

As Everton continued to be frustrated in their attempt to agree a fee for the Colombian, Lyon’s president, Jean-michel Aulas, took to social media to insist that the French side were confident that the player will snub the Premier League and choose his club.

Marcel Brands, Everton’s director of football, has been trying to secure 23-year-old Mina for weeks, efforts which increased a notch with a formal approach to the La Liga giants.