Report reveals former boss target told Everton to sign Fenerbahce star, with formal bid made

A report has revealed how former Everton boss target Vitor Pereira informed the club that he wanted to bring in Fenerbahce midfielder Miguel Crespo, if he got the job.

Pereira, a long-time favourite of Everton chief Farhad Moshiri, held talks with the Toffees last month to replace Rafa Benitez, having openly revealed his desire to take over at Goodison Park.

And a report from Sporx claims that Pereira had also singled out his top target in Crespo, who he managed in Turkey.

The report adds that Toffees scouts compiled a report on the player. They even submitted an offer to sign him in January.

However, nothing came of it after Lampard was appointed. Indeed, the club ended up moving for Dele Alli and Donny Van de Beek instead.

It now appears highly unlikely that Everton will ever renew their interest in the former Braga man. Periera is, however, expected to move to a bigger European league soon.

Indeed, Atletico Madrid also made a loan-to-buy of their own last month. The deal was said to be worth around £9.5 million.

As for Lampard and the Toffees, they are back in action when they head to Southampton on Saturday.

Who is the best: Kylian Mbappe or Erling Haaland?

Meanwhile, Everton have been handed a big lift after it emerged that defender Yerry Mina does not require surgery on his injured thigh.

The Colombia international suffered a high-grade quadriceps tendon issue during the Toffees’ 3-1 Premier League loss to Newcastle on February 8.

Centre-back Mina was substituted after 35 minutes at St James’ Park as Frank Lampard’s first top-flight game as Everton manager ended in defeat.

Lampard confirmed an operation is not necessary but expects to be without the 27-year-old player for the foreseeable future.

“He didn’t (need