Everton are closing in on the signing of Flamengo’s Carlos Alcaraz.
The Argentine midfielder joined the Brasilerao outfit from Southampton last summer but has made just 15 appearances in all competitions to date.
Alcaraz spent his final six months at St Mary’s on loan with Juventus, where he helped them win that season’s Coppa Italia during a half-season spell.
David Moyes is on the lookout for engine room reinforcements after loanee Orel Mangala was ruled out for the remainder of this season by a knee injury.
Flamengo confirmed on Friday they have agreed a deal for Alcaraz to join the Blues on loan with an obligation to buy subject to him meeting certain clauses.
“The decision to negotiate Alcaraz was made after a detailed analysis, considering both the vision of the coaching staff and the interests of the club,” said their director of football Jose Boto.
“He is a great player but, within the game model adopted, we understand that he would have few opportunities to play his best football.
“The negotiation guarantees a good opportunity for the player to follow his career with more prominence and, at the same time, respects the club’s financial and sports strategy.”