‘Big, big blow’ – Exclusive: Bent reacts to Everton star man’s transfer reveal | OneFootball

Darren Bent insists it would be a “big, big blow” if Everton were to lose Richarlison during the summer transfer market.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge, the former England striker admits he understands why the 23-year-old would want to discuss a move away if “one of the big boys” came calling.

Speaking to Globo Esporte, Richarlison admitted he would want to sit down and talk about a move away from Goodison “if a good offer were to come in”.

Sky Sports reported in January that Everton turned down an £85million bid for the Brazilian.

Bent admits that he does not think that the versatile forward is worth the prospective fee offered but insists he would be a huge loss to Carlo Ancelotti’s men.

Bent told Football Insider: “There was obviously that report that Barcelona made that massive bid for him and obviously if Barcelona come in for him with that kind of fee, it’s difficult to kind of say now.

“I guess that’s what he’s alluding to – if one of the big boys come in, he at least wants the opportunity to maybe go and talk to them and see what’s happening.

“Obviously that would be a real blow for Carlo Ancelotti, who’s trying to build something down there, but look, he’s been very good for Everton, I wouldn’t say his stats warranted an £80million bid.

“I wouldn’t say he’s on that kind of level but we know what transfer fees are like nowadays, they’re absolutely crazy. He’s a good player and it would be a big blow if he was to leave because I can see what Ancelotti is trying to build.”

“It would be a big, big blow but I can understand from Richarlison’s point of view if a club like Barcelona, one of the world’s biggest, comes in, he wants to at least have the opportunity to talk to them.”

Richarlison told Globo Esporte: “If a good offer were to come in, we sit down and talk, that’s part of football. We’re still talking about these details, working things out.”

In other Everton news, a Football Insider pundit has lifted the lid on talks with someone who knows Leighton Baines well after his retirement bombshell.