• Young prospect scored 14 times last season
• Lands three-year deal at Goodison Park

Everton have signed the striker Joao Silva on a three-year deal for an undisclosed fee from the Portuguese club Desportivo das Aves.

Goodison officials flew to Portugal this week to conclude the transfer – thought to be for around £600,000– of the 20-year-old, who has represented his country at Under-20 level and is highly rated.

Silva will now move to Merseyside before linking up with David Moyes’ squad at the start of July for their pre-season tour of Australia. The 6ft 2in forward, dubbed by some the new Pauleta, was the second top scorer in Portugal’s second tier with 14 goals in 32 appearances – his first season since turning professional.

EvertonTransfer windowguardian.co.uk