Moyes faces battle for Fernandes

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Fernandes spent the second half of last season on loan at Goodison Park, where problems with his third-party ownership scuppered any thoughts of making the deal permanent, in light of West Ham's traumatic involvement with Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. But Everton boss David Moyes is trying again to reach a satisfactory agreement.

However, a Benfica spokesman told www.skysports.com: "The player has a deal with us and it does not enter our plans to see him exit this summer."

Although Fernandes made a big impact on Everton fans last season, the player has also suggested he would be happy to stay in Lisbon, even though Manchester City are also interested.

Benfica own just 50% of the player, and Fernandes said: "I am happy at Benfica and now I am only thinking about a good season ahead."

Moyes failed to prise Argentina international Luis Gonzalez from Porto after he had a £10m bid - another player who was only half-owned by his club - turned down.

So the spotlight has turned on Fernandes, with an £8m fee suggested. However, Everton would want to structure a deal that would see them fully own the player and not run into third-party ownership problems.

But Benfica made it clear earlier this summer that they would want £12m for the player, and that is way above Everton's valuation.

Everton have also been linked with a £10m move for Middlesbrough striker Yakubu, but club sources suggested that such a price was also more than they would spend.

But Moyes does need striking re-enforcements having sold James Beattie to Sheffield United for £4m and with youngster James Vaughan out until November with a dislocated shoulder.