Report: Everton scouting 6ft 2in 18-year-old recommended to club by Marco Silva

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Everton are keeping tabs on an 18-year-old defender who was recommended to the Toffees by Carlo Ancelotti’s predecessor Marco Silva, according to a report from Portuguese outlet O Jogo.

The Goodison Park outfit is reportedly interested in Benfica youngster Morato, and are said to have sent scouts to watch him in UEFA Youth League action against Liverpool on Tuesday.

According to O Jogo, Everton have been impressed by the left-footed Brazilian’s build-up play, defensive capabilities, physicality, speed, and willingness to take on opposition players.

However, it appears as though the Toffees were not the only ones in attendance, with Manchester United, Bayern Munich and RB Leipzig also believed to have dispatched scouts to keep tabs on players.

The report adds that former Everton head coach Silva was the one who suggested Morato be scouted by the Toffees, and although he’s left, the Goodison Park hierarchy retains an interest in the youngster.

Morato has played for several teams within Benfica’s setup this season since moving from Sao Paulo last summer, including the Under-19s, the Under-23s, and Benfica B, who play in Portugal’s second tier.

The 6ft 2in centre-back has also made one first-team appearance for Benfica, in the Allianz Cup.

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Morato certainly sounds like a great prospect for Everton, having got plenty of football under his belt in his first season with Benfica and even making an appearance for the first team.

While the Toffees may no longer have Silva at the helm, Morato could get guidance from fellow Brazilians Richarlison and Bernard, as well as fellow Lusophones Andre Gomes and Joao Virginia.

However, would Benfica be willing to part ways with a player so soon after snapping him up? And would Everton be prepared to pay a reported 60million Euro (£52million) release clause for his signature?