Agent looking to secure Everton exit and Leeds United would be perfect – TBR View

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Everton star Bernard’s agent has claimed that the Toffees blocked a last-minute move – both permanent or on loan – to Roma and will now look to secure the player’s exit from Merseyside in the summer, and Leeds United have got to take a look.

Bernard, 28, has endured a difficult couple of seasons at Everton. Showing glimpses of pure quality, the 14-time Brazil international has failed to live up to the initial hype when he first signed a four-year £120,000-a-week contract (Spotrac).

He has managed just six goals and seven assists in 68 outings – but the former Shakhtar Donetsk man has hardly been given the chance to develop any momentum. Of his 68 outings, 22 have been from the bench, completing 90 minutes just 11 times.

No surprise that he has not settled in Everton, then. His agent, Adrian Spadoto told LaRoma24 that he tried to convince Everton to let him leave on loan or on a permanent to Roma, but was blocked. He claims a £6.5million sale could happen in January.

“We tried to convince Everton to let him go, but the English club did not agree. Not even on loan,” Spadoto said, when asked if Bernard was given permission to leave. “I think so [January], the player could be sold for around €7million [£6.5million].”

Leeds, meanwhile, failed to bring in a central midfielder to partner Mateusz Klich. Tyler Roberts, Helder Costa, Pablo Hernandez, and Rodrigo have all been used in the role – while a medical for Bayern’s Michael Cuisance fell through.

The latter has since moved to Marseille on loan and while the Whites continue to be linked with Norwich City’s Todd Cantwell, they lack the central midfielder they hoped could bomb on from deep and pick up a few goals – much like Klich.

Bernard boasts enormous flair, the kind of South American flair that would be ideal for Bielsa’s side. Adding an experience international alongside Klich that has the ability to produce magic given a run of games would be an unreal signing.

At a bargain £6.5million, surely Leeds have to consider a move for Bernard and while his wages are high – perhaps the Whites and Everton could work out a way in which Leeds would not have to pay out such a figure.