According to The Telegraph, Everton are on the verge of signing Bernard on a free transfer, but it could spell trouble for Ademola Lookman.
What’s the word?
On Monday, The Telegraph reported that the Merseyside outfit were closing in on the capture of Bernard, who became a free agent when his contract at Shakhtar Donetsk expired at the end of the season.
If the Brazilian does finalise a switch to Goodison Park, then he will be Marco Silva’s third signing, following Richarlison and Lucas Digne.
The news is positive for the club as it adds weight to the attacking department, but it does question the future of Lookman.
After spending the second half of last season on loan at RB Leipzig, the Bundesliga club have been keen to sign the 20-year-old on a permanent deal.
Such is Everton’s desire to keep Lookman, the club have slapped a £30m price tag on the winger’s head, according to The Mirror.
How will Bernard affect this?
From the club’s point of view, it is clear that Lookman is in Silva’s plans.
However, Bernard signing will limit the opportunities for the young attacker, making it that much tougher to break into the team.
At Leipzig he impressed by scoring five goals and creating four assists in 11 Bundesliga outings.
In his career so far, the youngster has scored 22 goals and produced seven for his teammates.
If Lookman was already open to moving on from Everton, then Bernard’s arrival could push him further towards the exit door.
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