Everton failed in last-ditch attempt to sign Benfica striker

Joe Williams

Benfica rejected Everton’s transfer deadline day offer to take Raul Jimenez on a season-long loan deal, according to reports.

The Mexico international played 32 times in all competitions last season for the Portuguese side and hit the back of the net on 11 occasions.

The Toffees were reportedly willing to pay a loan fee of £2million to bag the striker until the end of the season.

However, A Bola claims that Benfica had no intention of letting Jimenez go out on loan to Everton and they rebuffed the bid.

The Merseysiders were looking for a target man to replace Romelu Lukaku with Wayne Rooney and Gylfi Sigurdsson not fitting that mould.

It is understood that Benfica were prepared to listen to offers for the striker but only if they reached towards their valuation of £46million.