Everton transfer update: £26million Beto deal ready to be done as exit nears amid ‘top of the list’ verdict
Everton are at the front of the queue to sign Udinese striker Beto this summer following their failed approach in the January transfer window, according to Mundo Udinese.
Fabrizio Romano reported that the “huge bid” turned down by the Pozzo family before the close of the window was from the Toffees, via Twitter on 21 February, with Gianluca Di Marzio having reported live on Sky Sports on deadline day (31 January, 5.15pm) that it was worth €35million [£31million].
But the expectation has been for some time that the 25-year-old could be on the move in the summer instead, and with that nearing it appears that it is a deal Everton can do if they revisit it in the same way.
According to Mundo Udinese it is now “very probable” that the Portuguese forward leaves the club this summer, and Everton are “top of the list” of his suitors.
Citing the rejected January offer the outlet claims “everything will be different” after the end of the season and the same offer would get the deal done, which they value at €30million [£26million].
Still alive?
A lot has changed since the end of the January window, and up until Monday (8 May) that appeared to include the Toffees’ hopes of staying in the Premier League.
The 5-1 win at Brighton has increased those prospects in a big way, and with Dominic Calvert-Lewin finally fit for a run in the team his influence is helping.
However, Sean Dyche is certainly going to need to add in attack in the summer and given how difficult that proved to be in January, a deal that is actually doable is key.
Beto has 10 goals in Serie A this season, and could add another dimension that has been sorely lacking when Calvert-Lewin was injured.
But with the Premier League’s FFP charge also landing since the previous bid it remains to be seen what money is available to spend this summer, with anywhere near £30million potentially risky if the club is under such scrutiny.
With Boulaye Dia also enjoying a strong campaign for Salernitana and Everton apparently having a desired swap candidate, it may be that the Senegal international is more affordable.