Porto shun Toffees bid

Porto keep hold of Gonzalez

By Graeme Bailey   Last updated: 8th August 2007

gonzalez lucho porto

Gonzalez: Staying put

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Everton have failed with their audacious approach for Argentine star Lucho Gonzalez.

A host of clubs including Real Madrid, Valencia and Manchester City also held an interest in the highly-influential midfielder.

However, Everton had hoped their bid - believed to be £11million - would secure a deal, but Porto have instead moved to secure Gonazlez's long-term future by snapping up the remaining 50 per cent of his rights.

Porto only owned half the player following his move from River Plate in 2005, which left him susceptible to approaches.

But Gonzalez is now entirely owned by Porto after they paid 6.5 million euros for the remainder of his rights.

Toffees look elsewhere

Everton are now set to renew their interest in Benfica's Manuel Fernandes - who impressed hugely whilst on loan at Goodison Park last season.

The Toffees are also said to have joined the hunt for Middlesbrough's Yakubu Aiyegbeni.