Everton bid for Benfica star

English Premier League outfit Everton on Monday appeared to move a step closer to landing midfielder Manuel Fernandes from Benfica.

Benfica only own 50% of the rights to Fernandes, who spent the second part of last season on loan at Goodison Park, and Everton - if they could negotiate a deal - would want to buy the player outright with no strings of the kind MSI had with West Ham over Carlos Tevez.

But the Portuguese club claim a formal offer has been made in a statement which read: "We have received an offer from Everton to acquire 50% of Manuel Fernandes' rights. We are analysing Everton's offer."

The sticking point appears to be the price. Everton would consider £8million, but the Portuguese club have stated that they want £12million for the player.

The 21-year-old has been named in the Benfica squad for Tuesday's Champions League qualifying match against FC Copenhagen - but did not join the rest of the team on Monday.

If he plays on Tuesday, Fernandes would not be eligible to play for Everton in this season's UEFA Cup.