Everton on the pursuit of Serie A profilic striker
Everton are now set to launch a revived pursuit of Udinese striker Beto in the summer transfer window. The Toffees fell short in their efforts to land his signature in January.
That is according to Messaggero Veneto, which reports that Everton are ready to make new efforts to sign Beto. The Goodison Park natives appreciate what the 25-year-old could bring to their attack next season. He produced a strong campaign this term after hitting 10 goals.
Everton are also considering meeting the asking price that Udinese have slapped on Beto in view of any potential transfer. His Serie A side are demanding no less than €35m (£30m) for the Portuguese star. They are also confident about the value as his contract is valid to 2026.
Bianconeri technical director Pierpaolo Marino is even giving public and private statements that Udinese do not need to sell Beto. The Dacia Arena side believe they can afford to keep him this summer. But Everton are set to test Udinese’s resolve by targeting Beto’s transfer.
Marino is confident that Udinese can afford to retain Beto amid interest from Everton as he agreed to sign a long-term contract when joining them in August 2022. The Bianconeri paid Portimonense €7m (£6m), rising by another €3m (£2.5m) in performance-related bonuses.
Udinese also rejected an offer from Everton for Beto’s transfer this January. The Mirror had reported on deadline day that Kevin Thelwell pulled the plug on the Toffees’ pursuit after a failed effort. He tabled a £20m initial offer, rising £3m in add-ons, but needed to pay £35m.
Thelwell would not pay the Bianconeri the value of a release clause in the striker’s contract as Udinese sought. Even though he viewed the forward as Everton’s top target to support a goal-shy offence on Merseyside. Everton finished the Premier League season with 57 goals.
Now, Everton appear set to atone for Thelwell’s decision to walk away from all negotiations with Udinese for Beto’s transfer. Bianconeri owner Giampaolo Pozzo has also admitted it is likely going to be ‘impossible to keep him’ should his Serie A side receive a substantial bid.
