Everton reignite interest in 10-goal striker after £22m January bid with Dyche summer priority clear
Everton linked Udinese striker Beto in action
Everton have reportedly reignited their interest in Udinese striker Beto, after seeing a bid turned down for him in January.
Sean Dyche has made signing a new centre-forward his transfer priority as he looks to avoid another relegation scrap next season.
Indeed, scoring goals has been a real problem for Everton recently. In 2022/23, the Toffees were the second-lowest scoring side in the Premier League.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin endured another injury-disrupted campaign, while Neal Maupay scored just one goal in 28 league appearances.
They have already identified several striker targets, one of whom is Moussa Dembele. The Frenchman is available on a free transfer after running down his contract with Olympique Lyon.
However, Dembele also has interest from Saudi clubs, so Everton face competition for his signature. Now, the Toffees are tipped to go back in for another centre-forward this summer.
Evertonians will no doubt be keen to see their transfer business done early on in the window, rather than leaving signing players to the last minute, as they have done previously.
Indeed, if Everton want to avoid a third-consecutive relegation battle, significant improvements to their squad are required.
Everton reignite interest in Beto
According to Italian outlet Tutto Udinese (via Sport Witness), Everton are ready to submit another bid for Beto this summer.
As mentioned, the Toffees saw a reported bid of £22m rejected for the Udinese star in January. Now, the Italian club are ‘aware’ that they could lose Beto in the near future.
Along with Everton, Nottingham Forest have an interest in the 25-year-old, who is thought to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
In 2022/23, Beto made 33 Serie A appearances, scoring 10 goals in the process. Considering Everton’s current forward options of Calvert-Lewin, Maupay and Ellis Simms scored a combined four goals, he has the potential to be a smart addition.
However, as it stands, it is unclear how much money the Toffees will have to spend this summer.
The Merseyside club are currently under investigation for alleged breaches of the Premier League’s profit and sustainability rules. As a result, they have to consult the Premier League before they spend money on players.
Everton are also in the midst of a major transition. New York-based firm MSP Sports Capital are close to investing in the club, but, most of those funds are expected to go towards the building of their new stadium.
Partly because of this, as well as sustained fan protests, three members of the Toffees’ board were removed on Monday. Also, chairman Bill Kenwright is expected to follow imminently.
So, it’s going to be a summer of change at Everton. The supporters, though, will be desperate to see at least one new striker brought in as soon as possible.
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