Fernandes links up with Valente at Everton

Midfielder joins international team-mate at Goodison Park

Portuguese international Manuel Fernandes has completed his six-month loan move from Benfica to Premiership side Everton, joining his second English club of the season.

The deal was rushed through on Wednesday evening, seven days after Fernandes had passed a medical with the Toffees, following lengthy negotiations with the Portuguese club.

Fernandes played the first half of the season on loan at fellow English side Portsmouth, but the deal was cancelled earlier this month after the clubs disagreed over certain aspects of the deal.

However, the 20-year-old will play the remainder of the season in the Premiership, joining compatriot Nuno Valente at Goodison Park, and could make his debut in the Merseyside derby at the weekend.

Everton boss David Moyes told everton.com: “We are pleased to add him to the squad and we look forward to seeing him in action in the months ahead.”

Meanwhile, left-back Valente has been cleared to make his return from injury this weekend. The former Porto man has been sidelined for three weeks with a knee injury, but is available to play at Anfield on Saturday.

“Nuno is training now. He passed a fitness test at the end of last week so he’s okay,” said club physio Mick Rathbone.