Benfica manager Jorge Jesus claims Everton are interested in Gremio and Brazil forward Everton Soares.
Soares has been linked with a move to Everton since the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti in December with Gremio president Romildo Bolzan claiming the Italian was an admirer of the 24-year-old.
Jesus was appointed the new manager of Benfica earlier this month - his second spell after a six-year stint in charge between 2009-2015 - and admitted he wasted no time in calling Soares to convince him to move to Portugal.
But he claims Everton and an unnamed German side are also in the running for his services as he prepares to lead Benfica into the Champions League qualifying stages this summer.
“It is true that I called the player," Jesus reportedly told Record.
"He is one of the important targets for Benfica, not only because of his quality – he is a starter for Brazil too. There was also interest from Everton and a German team.
“I looked to convince him to come to Benfica, which is a great club, with a national and European project with other great players to attack all competition. I tried to convince him to come work with me.”
In February the ECHO confirmed Everton were not currently interested in a move for Soares despite the player claiming Ancelotti had sounded him out about a potential transfer.
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