Everton launch double bid for Inter star Shaqiri and Argentina defender Miro

Posted Saturday, August 08, 2015 by Express.co.uk

EVERTON have launched a double bid to sign Swiss star Xherdan Shaqiri and Argentina defender Ramiro Funes Miro.

Manager Roberto Martinez is seeking to recruit Shaqiri on loan, with a view to a permanent deal, with the Inter Milan star having rejected Stoke City earlier this summer.

Shaqiri, 23, can leave Inter despite only joining them in January and would solve Martinez’s search for a No10.

Stoke pulled out of a £12m deal for Shaqiri a month ago after he dragged his heels over their interest and failed respond to a deadline imposed by the club.

He is the sort of signing who would excite Everton fans, who have seen Tom Cleverley and Gerard Deulofeu as the only new recruits before the Premier League opener with Watford.

It comes as River Plate centre-back Miro emerged as the defender Everton want to strengthen their defence.

Xherdan Shaqiri could move to Everton on loan

Left-footed Miro, 24, scored a goal in River Plate’s Copa Libertadores Final win over Tigres this week and negotiations to seal a deal will now continue. He is 6ft 1in and has one cap for the Argentina national team.

Martinez has wanted another centre-back since releasing Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz at the end of last season and interest is independent of Chelsea’s pursuit of John Stones.

Stones is expected to face Watford following an ankle injury, but Chelsea will return next week with a bid of £30m in an attempt to see if that entices Everton to the negotiating table.

Jose Mourinho’s champions have had bids of £20m and £26m already rejected.