By Pranav Shahaney

2nd Feb, 2023 | 8:10pm

£35m release clause update emerges as Everton tabled bid for Udinese striker Beto

Everton reportedly missed out on signing Udinese striker Beto because of their unwillingness to meet his release clause on deadline day.

According to the Times on 1 February, a bid was made for the Portuguese forward which was believed to be £22 million plus add-ons, but was rejected by the Serie A club.

However, the Toffees could’ve tried to sign him as £35million would trigger his release clause, but they did not feel he was worth that much.

Summer move?

The 25-year-old is 6 feet 4 inches tall and it could be a signing that Sean Dyche wanted on transfer deadline day, having been appointed very late in the window.

Dyche likes tall and strong forwards that can be a menace in the air and use their physicality to bring others into the game.

Beto does tick these boxes and is even a decent goal scorer, but the Toffees will have to do more if they are to sign him.

It’s likely that there are more clubs in for him in the summer and Everton could retain their interest in him.

However, paying that kind of money for a striker not proven in the Premier League or at a really top club makes it a big risk.

Money is already tight at Goodison Park and the board would not be too keen on shelling out this kind of money on just one player.