What Beto has said about Everton exit as Santiago Castro stirs up Hill Dickinson plot

Beto has already spoken openly about his future amid Everton links to Bologna's Santiago Castro.

The Toffees are keen to sign a new striker this summer, but that may only happen if one of Thierno Barry or Beto leaves.

David Moyes understands that last season's failures were somewhat down to the lack of goals scored, as a consistent number nine is wanted at Hill Dickinson.

Beto picked up form towards the end of the season, becoming the first-choice starter after Barry's off-field controversies with Evertonians.

However, the 28-year-old has shown that his form usually comes in patches, which isn't exactly good enough for the Blues' ambitions in the Premier League and globally.

Now, Everton have a potential replacement plan for Beto, and it comes in the form of Santiago Castro.

Beto's exit admission amid Santiago Castro transfer links

Goodison News reported this week that Santiago Castro could come to Everton if Beto leaves this summer.

The Argentine is said to be one of several options that the Toffees could move for, but only if their current number nine moves on.

Beto was linked with a loan move to Juventus in the winter window, and though an offer was rejected by the Toffees, there were other interested sides as well.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo in May, Beto gave his stance on a possible departure, touching on his speculated exit in January.

The striker said: "Every January, it’s the story of my life. I’m not even bothered about that. If people think that I am not able to be here, it’s okay. It’s life.

"I don’t know the future. I still have a contract, so that’s it."

It's highly likely that the Guinea-Bissau forward is still in the dark over his future, though he'll be hoping to find out his fate one way or another. It doesn't bode well given the recent transfer speculation.

However, if Everton truly want Castro, then it could be curtains for Beto.

How much Everton could get from Beto sale

A new striker and right-back are the outstanding priorities for Moyes this summer after the additions of Tyrique George and Hayden Hackney.

Castro could be a clever pick-up for the Toffees, given the 21-year-old's goal-scoring record already in the Serie A at such a young age.

His former boss, Vincenzo Italiano, has backed Castro to go on and become a "top player", after watching him develop from a young age.

The youngster would cost Everton a pretty penny, but Transfermarkt suggests the Friedkins could raise £15.2million through Beto's sale.

This could go towards Castro and be a smart move for Moyes' side.