Everton ready to meet demands for Vitor Roque transfer in new twist

Everton are ready to meet Barcelona's demands to sign Vitor Roque before 30 August, according to Mundo Deportivo.

The Spanish newspaper reported on Wednesday (21 August, page 4) that the Toffees are facing competition from Sporting CP, FC Porto and Villarreal, who are all willing to pay £25.6million.

Real Betis are understood to have taken a positive step towards signing the 19-year-old, with Roque open to a move, but Barcelona are still evaluating potential deals with other interested parties.

Everton still in the race to sign Vitor Roque?

Considering the talent being shown by Roque, it is a surprise to see Barca so open to the player's exit this summer. On the other hand, the transfer interest has come as no shock.

The young Brazilian forward showed plenty of flair during his time with Athletico Paranaense, where he notched 28 goals and 11 assists in 81 appearances, but his move to the Nou Camp has been far from ideal.

Despite a lack of minutes on the pitch, he has still managed to find the back of the net on two occasions for Barcelona, and he could be the kind of player Sean Dyche is calling out for this summer.

Goals have often been an area for concern at Goodison Park, with only Sheffield United scoring fewer Premier League goals last season, even with Dominic Calvert-Lewin up front.

The 27-year-old is hot and cold when it comes to form in the final third, only scoring seven goals last term, four of them coming in the final seven matches of the campaign.

While those goals likely saved the Toffees from relegation to the Championship, Dyche needs a striker he can depend on, and Roque could be that player if given a real opportunity in the starting XI.

In other Everton news, Richard Keys has shared "huge problems" at Goodison Park after recent developments.

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