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In a whirlwind few hours, Everton official Ian Ross has confirmed what all Evertonians have been dying to hear - Benfica star Manuel Fernandes is fully expected to tie up a deal with the Toffees in the next 24 hours.
The enigmatic midfielder became somewhat of a cult hero at Goodison Park with cameos of skill and the occasional magnificent strike peppering his time with the club.
And hours after Benfica confirmed the Everton bid for the player, Ian Ross has stated he is "expected" to sign a five-year-contract imminently.
Ross said: "I think that everything will be decided in next the 24 hours, We have everything worked out with Benfica and now the decision is in the hands of the player.
"We just need to wait for him to confirm the agreement, but I think that only a great overturn would prevent the transfer happening.
"He is expected to sign a five-year contract, as is the norm with young players joining the club."
Confusion lies over the actual fee for the player, which has been stated as anywhere between £6m and £9m for the 50% share held by Benfica.
In other news, new signing Leighton Baines will miss Everton's visit to White Hart Lane on Tuesday after failing to recover from the troublesome injury that sidelined him for the game against Wigan.
In a whirlwind few hours, Everton official Ian Ross has confirmed what all Evertonians have been dying to hear - Benfica star Manuel Fernandes is fully expected to tie up a deal with the Toffees in the next 24 hours.
The enigmatic midfielder became somewhat of a cult hero at Goodison Park with cameos of skill and the occasional magnificent strike peppering his time with the club.
And hours after Benfica confirmed the Everton bid for the player, Ian Ross has stated he is "expected" to sign a five-year-contract imminently.
Ross said: "I think that everything will be decided in next the 24 hours, We have everything worked out with Benfica and now the decision is in the hands of the player.
"We just need to wait for him to confirm the agreement, but I think that only a great overturn would prevent the transfer happening.
"He is expected to sign a five-year contract, as is the norm with young players joining the club."
Confusion lies over the actual fee for the player, which has been stated as anywhere between £6m and £9m for the 50% share held by Benfica.
In other news, new signing Leighton Baines will miss Everton's visit to White Hart Lane on Tuesday after failing to recover from the troublesome injury that sidelined him for the game against Wigan.
