Merseysiders only just failed to lure water carrier to Goodison during the summer.
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Everton are set to face stiff competition for the signature of in-demand FC Porto midfield player Fernando when the winter transfer window opens again for business in the new year, according to reports on talkSPORT.co.uk.
The Merseyside giants came close to landing the former Brazil Under-20 international during the recent summer, only for a proposed deal to bring Fernando to Goodison Park this season to fall through at the very last minute.
However, it is understood that new Toffees head coach Roberto Martinez is still desperate to sign the coveted 26-year-old at the turn of the year, although now the Spaniard will need to beat off a number of big-name rivals from the Continent in order to poach Fernando.
And that is because it has been reported in Italy of late that high-flying Serie A outfit Napoli are also keen to swoop for the holding midfield player, after head coach Rafa Benitez failed to lure both Liverpool’s Lucas Leiva and FC Barcelona’s Javier Mascherano to Naples during the summer transfer window.
Not only that, but Serie A giants Inter Milan and mega-rich Ligue 1 side AS Monaco are both also said to be lining up offers for the player come January.