By Jonty Banks

22nd May, 2023 | 9:40am

Everton priced out of summer move for Beto as Fabrizio Romano shares £30m transfer news

If Everton hoped to renew their interest in signing Udinese striker Beto in the summer transfer window, they might now have other ideas.

The Toffees wanted to sign the Portuguese forward in the January transfer window and are reportedly keen to revive this if they remain in the Premier League this season. [Tutto Udinese, 19 April]

However, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano shared on Monday (22 May) that Beto’s release clause in his contract at Udinese is a lofty £30million, amid interest from Italian giants Napoli.

It is evident that Sean Dyche will want several additions to his Everton squad this summer, especially in forward areas, but will they be able to afford this kind of outlay when there are so many glaring weaknesses in the squad?

With Neal Maupay likely to leave Goodison Park this summer, there is a gap for at least one striker to be signed, but the Toffees would surely be better off signing a proven Premier League striker for a less risky pricetag.

The likes of Danny Ings, who West Ham signed for a £15million fee in the summer, is a great example of the price range that Everton should look to complete their business in.

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With defensive reinforcements – notably at right-back – potentially a goalkeeper if Jordan Pickford leaves the club, at least one wide attacker, and a striker needed, the Toffees might well have been priced out of this transfer.

There is no doubt that Beto is a talented striker, having reached double figures for goals in his last four seasons, and netting ten goals from 31 appearances at Udinese this term, however, whether he could hack the ferocity of the Premier League is another question.

And considering that Serie A champions Napoli are now involved in the race for the 25-year-old’s services, it could well spell the end of Everton’s hunt.

The potential of a full takeover of the Merseyside club by either 777 Partners or MSP Sports Capital could bring a fresh outlook on this potential transfer, but until then, Dyche will need to look elsewhere.