Everton hold off challenge from Chelsea and West Ham to seal Bernard on a free

The Brazil international had also been considering offers from AC and Inter Milan

Chance to work with Marco Silva believed to be crucial factor in his final decision

Bernard also excited by prospect of playing with his fellow Brazilian Richarlison

Everton have signed exciting Brazilian forward Bernard after holding off interest from at home and abroad.

The deal will be announced on Tuesday, subject to a work permit, with Bernard due for a medical on Merseyside.

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The free transfer from Shakhtar Donetsk is seen as a coup for Goodison Park manager Marco Silva, whose personal intervention swung the deal Everton's way.

Bernard has agreed to join Everton subject to a work permit in what is a major coup for the club

Bernard pictured playing for Shakhtar Donetsk in a Champions League game last season

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WHO IS BERNARD? The Brazilian winger has spent the last five seasons at Shakhtar Donetsk. He played 157 times for the Ukrainian club and scored 28 goals. Bernard started his career at Atletico Mineiro, where he won the Copa Libertadores in 2013. He moved to Shakhtar for around £40million that summer and won three Ukrainian league titles. He has played 14 times for Brazil and started the 7-1 defeat by Germany in the 2014 World Cup semi-finals. His nickname, given to him by former Brazil manager Luiz Felipe Scolari, translates to 'joy in the legs' and is reference to his dribbling ability.

Bernard, 25, had been considering offers from Chelsea and West Ham as well as AC Milan and Inter Milan. Italian media were even heralding his impending arrival in Serie A.

Tottenham were also linked with the player but had not made their intentions clear.

Ambitious West Ham, big spenders in this window, were confident at the end of last week but were unclear about his role in their team, which is already packed with attacking flair.

Bernard, with 14 caps for Brazil and who cost Shakhtar £40million, can play as an inside forward coming off the left side or as a No 10 behind a striker.

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He is understood to be relishing the chance to form an exciting partnership with fellow Brazilian Richarlison, signed last month from Watford.

With the transfer window closing on Thursday, Everton are delighted to have sealed a deal despite late interest from Chelsea.

Bernard was considered a prodigious talent during his time with Brazilian side Atletico Mineiro

The 25-year-old (centre) played alongside Neymar at the 2014 World Cup for Brazil

Bernard's arrival is likely to pave the way for 29-year-old winger Yannick Bolasie to return to Crystal Palace.

The Congolese winger has been told he has no future under Silva and is waiting for Palace to agree a deal. Championship managers also showed interest, along with clubs in Turkey.

Everton, however, hope to complete further signings before Thursday. Talks are continuing with Stoke City over £14m-rated midfielder Badou Ndiaye while they are waiting for Argentina centre back Marcos Rojo to be given the all-clear to leave Manchester United.

A £28m fee for Barcelona defender Yerry Mina has been outlined but Rojo has always been Everton's top target. Everton face competition from Lyon for Mina who has also had an approach from Manchester United.

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Mina was discussed as part of a proposed deal for France's World Cup-winning midfielder Paul Pogba which has since been dismissed by United.

Marco Silva's Everton have been chasing Yerry Mina (pictured) despite preferring Marcos Rojo