Everton target Fernando undergoes work permit hearing?

Brazilian midfielder Fernando has reportedly had a work permit hearing in London amid speculation that he is close to signing for Everton.

It has been claimed that manager Roberto Martinez has identified the 26-year-old as a potential replacement for Marouane Fellaini, who has been heavily linked with a switch to Manchester United.

While the result of the hearing has not been made public, Martinez was in attendance to add weight to the Fernando's case, according to Sky Sports News.

The midfielder joined his Portuguese employers in 2007 from Vila Nova.