LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 25: A general view of the corner flag at Goodison Park before the Premier League match between Everton and Norwich City at Goodison Park on September 25, 2021 in Liverpool, England.. (Photo by Tony McArdle/Everton FC via Getty Images)
‘Medical booked’ – Everton ‘reach agreement’ for top striker target; Maupay upgrade secured for cut-price fee
Everton have reportedly ‘reached an agreement’ with Udinese to sign centre-forward Beto on a permanent deal worth in excess of €30m (£25m).
The Toffees are desperate to bring in a new striker before the transfer window closes and the 25-year-old has been at the top of their shortlist since January.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is currently sidelined with an injury, while Neal Maupay has scored just one goal in 31 appearances for the Toffees.
Everton have already brought in Youssef Chermiti (£15m), Jack Harrison (loan) and Arnaut Danjuma (loan) when it comes to attacking additions but Sean Dyche still wants to sign a new striker and winger.
That is no surprise, either, given they scored just 34 Premier League goals last season. That was ultimately the key reason why they came close to being relegated.
The Toffees were in talks with Southampton striker Che Adams, but those negotiations seem to have ended, with another unnamed Premier League club reportedly leading the race for him.
Everton now seem to have put all their eggs in one basket as they pursue Beto, and it seems to have paid off.
Everton ‘reach agreement’ for Beto
According to reputed transfer journalist Fabrizio Romano, Everton have reached an agreement to sign Beto, for a fee lower than his €35m (£30m) release clause.
On Twitter, he wrote: “Understand Everton have reached an agreement with Udinese for Beto! Deal in place for fee in excess of €30m — under the release clause.
“Personal terms with Everton also agreed, just final details to be sorted. Medical to take place on Sunday if all goes to plan. Here we go, soon.”
Beto scored 10 goals in 33 Serie A appearances for Udinese last season.
Standing at 6ft4, the Portuguese striker is an imposing figure on the pitch and could work well as a target man, something that Dyche utilised effectively during his time with Burnley.
Everton fans will hope to see Beto in the squad as soon as possible, with the Toffees set to face Sheffield United at Bramall Lane next weekend in a crucial six-pointer.
