Everton sent 'emissaries' to run the rule over Benfica midfielder Florentino who they are 'in love with', according to reports.

The Lowdown: Reinforcements needed

The Toffees failed to make any new signings in January so Sean Dyche will be in need of reinforcements regardless of whether his side avoid relegation from the Premier League.

The Portuguese’s contract with Roger Schmidt’s outfit isn’t set to expire until 2027, but following some impressive performances, he appears to have caught the eye of the hierarchy at Goodison Park.

The Latest: Everton scout Florentino

According to Record (via Sport Witness), Everton are ‘in love’ with Florentino and even sent ‘emissaries’ to watch him in Benfica’s 2-0 Champions League victory at Club Brugge on Wednesday.

The Merseysiders took ‘very positive notes’ from what they saw of the 23-year-old, who has a €120m (£106m) release clause included in his terms.

The Primeira Liga giants currently have ‘no intention’ of selling their talisman, but their president Rui Costa ‘will consider’ entering negotiations at the end of the season.

The Toffees are ‘yet to make’ an official offer but remain ‘huge admirers’.

The Verdict: Splash the cash

Florentino’s clause would be extremely unaffordable for Everton, but should some kind of cut-price opportunity arise, Farhad Moshiri should splash the cash to get a deal over the line.

The Adidas-sponsored athlete is naturally a defensive midfielder and currently ranks in the 99th percentile most interceptions and passes attempted per 90 minutes.

The Lisbon native, however, can also operate in central midfield where he bagged two assists in one appearance, highlighting his versatility and threat in the final third.

Florentino has been dubbed a ‘beast’ by talent scout Jacek Kulig and it would be a massive coup for the club if they were successfully able to land their target for Dyche.