EXCLUSIVE: Brahimi Delays Signing Porto Contract Renewal as Everton, Lazio Beckon

Yacine Brahimi is digging his heels over committing to Porto, after the Portuguese giants failed to make him an offer for improved pay.
The trajectory unfolds as interest in the playmaker from the English Premier League and Serie A persist. The 28-year-old’s contract stand-off with Porto is being viewed as a scheme by his representatives to pressure the Premier Liga side to cough up more money.
The 2004 European champions risk losing the dazzling wide-man on a free transfer of he’s allowed to run down his contract, which elapses in June, hence their recent move to get him to pen a new contract.
In the face of fears that the current rocky situation could hamper Porto’s title defense charge, club president Pinto de Costa has told the Algerian to look elsewhere if he is dissatisfied with the arrangement, saying the ex-Stade Rennes man is aware of how much Porto can offer him.
“This is a topic that has been addressed 200 times. Only Brahimi can decide whether or not to continue (playing for us). He has received our proposals and knows how much we can give. He also has the right to opt for other clubs, as was the case last year with Reyes and Marcano,” Da Costa told the Portuguese press.
Everton had a £33m offer rejected two years ago after Yacine told The Toffees he prefers Champions League football which the EPL side are unable to provide. The dynamics have now changed as the player edges closer to an exit. Fenerbache of Turkey, Lazio and AC Milan are also believed to be lurking in the back ground waiting to pounce at the slightest hint of the ex-Granada attacker turning his back on Porto.
The 28-year-old scored twelve times last campaign as he helped Porto clutch the league title ending a five-year Benfica dominance.
Porto value the forward at £30m as a January move look likely, according to reports.
Should he opt for the Premier League, there would be compatriots Riyad Mahrez, Ghezzal to keep him company.