Benfica set sights on Brazil winger Everton

RIO DE JANEIRO - Benfica are preparing a bid to sign Gremio and Brazil international winger Everton, according to media reports in the South American country.

The Portuguese club's interest comes at the behest of new head coach Jorge Jesus, who left Brazilian Serie A champions Flamengo last week to rejoin his former side, the Globo Esporte news portal reported.

Gremio have reportedly placed a 25 million-euro price tag on the 24-year-old, who has also been linked with Napoli, Everton, AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.

Everton has made 268 first-team appearances for Gremio and scored 69 goals since being promoted from the club's youth ranks in 2014. He has been capped 14 times for Brazil and was a member of the Selecao side that won last year's Copa America as hosts.

Benfica are currently second in the Primeira Liga standings, eight points behind Porto with one match remaining in the season.