Just in: Everton ACCEPT £50m+ offer for star amid Everton takeover drama!

Everton are interested in Santos defender Joao Pedro Chermont and have been monitoring his situation closely, Caught Offside reports.

According to the outlet’s website on 6 October the Toffees are one of a number of clubs who are considering a move for the right-back, who has a £58million release clause

His club are said to now be open to offers below that amount, but Everton face extensive competition in the race for the 18-year-old.

Wolves are also interested but London giants Arsenal and Chelsea are both said to have had talks already, while both Real Madrid and Barcelona are also believed to be keeping an eye on the situation.

Arsenal, Chelsea ahead of Everton for Joao Pedro Chermont

Despite having three senior options in the squad right-back has become something of a problem position for Sean Dyche, who was forced to put midfielder James Garner there for the goalless draw with Newcastle on 5 October.

Ashley Young may be 39 and a converted winger but has been a regular under the former Burnley boss with club captain Seamus Coleman increasingly suffering with injury problems in recent years, and Nathan Patterson seemingly unfavoured even before his long-term lay-off.

Dyche has been forced to make do when what transfer budget was available during the summer needed to be directed elsewhere in the squad, but Dan Friedkin’s impending takeover could open the door to reinforcements in Janjary.

The American suddenly emerged back in the frame to beat John Textor to a buy-out agreement with Farhad Moshiri last month, in a move speculated to be aimed at spending in the New Year market [Matt Slater, 27 September].