The Merseyside Derby could mean so much more this year as Everton have entered the race to sign Mateus Fernandes.
It is believed that Everton are strong admirers of Fernandes, but face stern competition from a number of other Premier League clubs.
David Moyes faces seven huge games ahead of Everton in the race to secure a spot in Europe next season.
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David Moyes, manager of Everton, claps fans after a 3-0 win in the Premier League match between Everton and Chelsea.
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However, the Merseyside Derby could mean a lot more this season, with the two clubs battling for the fifth Champions League spot, which could have a big impact on potential summer signings.
Liverpool FC v Everton FC - Premier League
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Everton battling Liverpool for Mateus Fernandes
According to Caught Offside, Liverpool have already held talks with Fernandes’ agent ahead of the summer transfer window.
That may well suggest that the Reds may already hold the advantage in the race to land the West Ham United midfielder.
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More than just three points are on the line at the Hill Dickinson Stadium in the first-ever Merseyside Derby in Everton’s new home.
As well as the points and bragging rights, the two clubs are fighting for fifth place in the Premier League table.
Five Premier League clubs will qualify for the Champions League this season at the very least.
By securing Champions League football ahead of Liverpool, the Toffees could well hold an advantage in the summer market when it comes to chasing players like Fernandes.
For years, Liverpool have had the upper hand, but the Blues are well on course to potentially leapfrog their city rivals this season.
Angus Kinnear is working on a transfer list that requires European qualification, with another being prepared in case Everton miss out.
Although any form of European football would be a big positive for Everton, securing Champions League football would be a real game-changer.
Champions League football would transform Everton’s finances and open the door to a much higher quality level of transfer target.
This could be the case with Fernandes, who is not going to be short of options this summer.
By beating the Reds in the Merseyside Derby, Everton could take a step forward in the race to sign the 21-year-old midfielder.
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