Everton chief Marcel Brands has revealed he urged the Blues to sign Andre Gomes two years ago.

Brands had been tracking the progress of Gomes at Benfica, and then Valencia, but knew PSV would be priced out of the market for the Portuguese midfielder.

But the talent spotter suggested Everton made a move.

He told AD: "Two years ago, Everton asked me too but I wanted to stay at PSV.

"I gave (Farhad) Moshiri a tip to pick up Andre Gomes at Valencia."

Gomes, who joined the Blues this summer on loan, moved to Barcelona that summer in a deal worth an initial £29.3m.