Everton want to sign Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao
Everton are looking to strengthen their defence this transfer window and have identified Udinese’s Rodrigo Becao as a potential target.
According to Tutto Udinese, the Toffees have the 26-year-old on their radar after a stellar season in Serie A for the Bianconeri and he could be available for a very reasonable price.
Udinese values Becao at just £17million and may sell him this summer to help fund a big rebuild of the squad while his stock is as high as it is.
Frank Lampard faces competition from elsewhere in the Premier League though with Antonio Conte’s Tottenham Hotspur the other English side in the race for his signature.
The Spurs boss could use his Italian knowledge and contacts to steal a march on Everton who have lost that connection since Carlo Ancelotti left Merseyside to take charge at Real Madrid.
Better options
If Conte wants to splash £17million on Becao this summer, then let’s allow him to do so because we have much better, and cheaper, alternative options to go after.
Ryan Taylor, a Daily Express journalist, reported via his personal Twitter account that the Toffees have submitted a formal offer to James Tarkowski of Burnley to sign the 29-year-old on a free transfer.
The Mirror also claim that Lampard is chasing Tarkowski’s Clarets teammate Ben Mee in a double swoop of Turf Moor and he too would be available for free.
Both of those options are better than spending £17million on a player unproven in the Premier League and they have the added bonus of having played with each other for six seasons at Burnley.
If we can get both of those then we won’t need to worry about the defence at all and we can turn our attention to the midfield and attack as we try to rebuild our side.
In other Everton news, several academy players could be about to be released from the club as Kevin Thelwell prepares for major changes at Finch Farm.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.