Spanish giants Barcelona are considering making a swoop for Vasco da Gama’s 17-year-old Brazilian midfielder Evander.
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According to newspaper Mundo Deportivo, he is just one of a number of players the club are monitoring as they search across Europe and South America for replacements for the departing Xavi, Pedro, and Dani Alves.
Brazilian newspaper Globo Esporte add that the club have sent representatives to Brazil and are hoping to bring the youngster to the Nou Camp before his value becomes too high, but quote Evander’s father and agent as saying Barca have yet to approach him directly.
“I am very happy about it, because it shows that the job is being done well,” explained Evandro Ferreira.
“I knew they were in South America; that was the information that came to us. But there was never any initial contact.”
It is unclear from the reports how much money would be needed to make Vasco part company with one of their most exciting prospects. Globo Esporte report that Evander is under contract with the club until 2017, and they hope to extend his deal until 2019. That could give Vasco some bargaining power, but given he is yet to make a first team appearance for the club, Barcelona’s hand may be strengthened.
Evander is gifted with great pace and technical ability, and the idea of yet another tricky South American joining a side that already contains Messi, Neymar, and Luis Suarez is sure to strike fear into the hearts of defences around the continent.