UPATE: Everton is in early talks to sign Udinese striker , and a £30 million twist has emerged..
Everton are in advanced talks to sign Udinese striker Beto, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese newspaper reported via their print edition on Friday (25 August, page 24) that the 25-year-old’s transfer to Goodison Park could be “imminent”.
However, it is understood that Sean Dyche isn’t the only manager gunning for Beto and while Everton are offering £22.3million for the Portuguese centre-forward, Udinese would rather receive a fee nearer to his £30million release clause.
O Jogo adds that the offer currently on the table from Everton is being negotiated while advanced talks with Beto himself are underway.
How good is Beto?
Beto has made two appearances this season for Udinese, playing in a 3-0 Serie A defeat to Juventus and an Italy Cup win over Catanzaro.
In the 4-1 victory, Beto scored a goal and grabbed an assist but his performances against a lesser Serie B side are hardly going to convince Evertonians.
Dyche is desperate to bolster his strikeforce after failing to see his side score in their opening two Premier League matches while goals in pre-season were also few and far between.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s injury heightens the need for a new forward and Beto could provide somewhat of an answer.
Last season, he did score 10 times in 33 Serie A appearances. A goal record close to a goal every three games isn’t bad and while Beto’s only goal against one of Italy’s top teams came against AC Milan in March, his ability to hit the back of the net against lesser sides could be pivotal for Everton.
It’s likely to be another relegation battle this season for the Blues and every goal against fellow relegation rivals could be worth their weight in gold.
In other Everton news, Tony Bellew is desperate for the Blues to re-sign this former player.
