FC Porto closing in on the signing of Brazilian star Evanilson

FC Porto are branching out into the global transfer market, first by signing Brazilian forward Evanilson from Fluminense.

Having focused significantly on recruiting domestically, signing some promising players from the Portuguese Primeira Liga including Carraca and Claudio Ramos on free transfers from Boavista and Tondela respectively, as well as Mehdi Taremi (Rio Ave) and Zaidu Sanusi (Santa Clara) for reasonable fees, Porto are now expanding their horizons, bringing in 20-year old Evanilson.

The young Brazilian striker has had a very encouraging campaign with Fluminense, scoring 6 goals in 14 matches across all competitions, and is highly rated in his home country.

It is reported that Jorge Mendes was central to the negotiations, looking to bring the South American to Europe.

It follows on from Benfica having already heavily targeted the Brazilian league, having already brought in both Everton Cebolinha from Gremio, and Pedrinho from Corinthians.

Evanilson had previously been of interest to English Premier League outfit Crystal Palace, while Manchester City and Liverpool had also been linked with the talented Brazilian.