According to reports in Portugal, Everton have moved into “pole position” to sign Sporting CP midfielder William Carvalho this summer.

What’s the story?

William Carvalho impressed everyone at Euro 2016 with Portugal, and the towering Portuguese midfielder has been linked with moves to the Premier League ever since.

While West Ham have most often been linked with the defensive midfielder, a report from A Bola this week claims Everton are now leading the charge.

The Toffees are desperately seeking midfield reinforcements to help the ever reliable Idrissa Gueye, and reports last week suggested Carvalho would be in the shop window this summer for €40million (£35m).

Everton will likely face plenty of competition for his signature, but sent scouts to watch the 26 year-old in action against Benfica on Saturday.

Good move to Merseyside?

It’s no secret that Everton are on the prowl for a new central midfielder, with Tom Davies not living up to expectations and neither of Wayne Rooney or Morgan Schneiderlin displaying the energy to play in a Premier League midfield.

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Carvalho has been the subject of plenty of interest from West Ham in recent times, and it’s not difficult to see why.

The giant defensive midfielder reads the game superbly, averaging over an interception per game for Sporting CP this season. He also averages 1.9 tackles and 1.3 clearances, so a partnership with Gueye would be almost impossible to break down.

While Gueye doesn’t offer much going forward, Carvalho could also link up with the more attacking players at Everton, boasting a 88.5 per cent pass success rate and averaging nearly one chance created every game.

If Carvalho, valued at £22.5m by Transfermarkt, is truly available for £35m this summer then the Toffees are absolutely right to be interested.

So, Everton fans, would you back a £35m summer swoop for Carvalho? Let us know by voting in the poll below…