Marco Silva speaks on transfer situation of Andre Gomes

Everton manager Marco Silva has acknowledged that the club are yet to make a decision over the future of Andre Gomes. The Portuguese midfielder has been impressive since making the season-long loan from Barcelona last summer but the Toffees have yet to finalise a permanent move for his services.

Speaking to reporters, Silva said that the club are working closely to cement a permanent deal for the Portugal international, although the final outcome could wait until the end of the campaign, he said: “We already have (an idea). Of course, when I am speaking to him, we have to say what we can say in this moment. To be 100% honest with you, we did nothing yet about the situation because all of our focus is on the season. But I am working with Marcel, we are planning everything, and with time – which is different to last season. We maybe know more than you about the Andre position and all these things, but all we can say to you, is what he said.”

Gomes endured a frustrating beginning to his Toffees career as he was sidelined for the opening three months with an ankle problem sustained at Barcelona. However, he has since featured in 23 consecutive Premier League games and during this period, he has transformed into a fan favourite with consistent performances alongside Idrissa Gueye at the centre of the park.

At present, the Toffees are understood to be leading the race for the former Valencia man but they are set to face competition from Inter Milan and Tottenham Hotspur. As such, the deal largely depends on the midfielder but they remain hopeful that the Portuguese will choose them with the assurance of regular gametime. Gomes is currently valued at around £25m by Barcelona but that sum could rise with the competition during the summer.