According to Jornal de Noticias (today's edition, page 32), Manchester United is ready to make a new transfer bid for Porto attacker Evanilson.
Darwin Nunez was extensively connected with the Red Devils at the start of June, but the Uruguayan turned down their interest to join arch-rivals Liverpool.
They now appear to be concentrating their efforts on Evanilson, who scored 21 goals and added five assists for Porto last season.
According to Jornal de Noticias, Porto rejected their initial offer of £52 million plus £4 million in add-ons, but they are prepared to make a new offer of £60 million plus add-ons.
United are hopeful that they will be able to sign him because the offer is close to the £69 million price tag set by Porto at the start of the summer.
Jorge Mendes, a super-agent, is functioning as a go-between. The Portuguese has already completed deals for Fabio Vieira and Vitinha of Porto, who will join Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain, respectively.
Evanilson had a fantastic second season with Porto, contributing 26 goals. His superb hold-up play and movement in the closing third also pleased the Brazil international.
utd guy Erik ten Hag
Regardless, he may not be placed in the same category as Nunez. Both players were impressive in the Primeira Liga last season, but Nunez stood out with regular goals in the Champions League.
Evanilson has struggled to make a similar impact in Europe, raising concerns about his ability to adjust to the Premier League's increased intensity. Manchester United may still be interested in signing him this summer.
Erik ten Hag, the next United manager, has earned a reputation for developing players. Dusan Tadic and Sebastien Haller, for example, improved dramatically at Ajax following disappointing Premier League experiences.
Several young grads were also molded by the Dutch tactician into top-notch players. United may believe that the 52-year-old can get the most out of Evanilson while he is still at the top of his game.
Last season, Evanilson squandered as many as 16 great opportunities. Ten Hag might be a fantastic signing for the Red Devils if he can improve on the Brazilian's finishing.
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