Expert: Everton set to make Beto transfer U-turn

Beto has emerged as an important player for Everton ahead of the summer transfer window and they are planning to block any moves for his signature.

The 28-year-old has enjoyed a strong season in David Moyes’ side and has now found the net in four of his last five Premier League appearances.

While he has just nine Premier League goals so far this season and there is a growing feeling a new addition is needed, he is unlikely to be moved on.

Former West Ham scout Mick Brown, who worked closely alongside Moyes, told Football Insider that the boss wants to sign a new striker, but sees Beto as a valuable asset.

As a result, the Toffees are not planning to let the striker leave in the immediate future, and instead view him as a rotation option as Everton step up their transfer plans.

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Brown told Football Insider earlier this season that Everton are planning to replace Beto with the addition of a new forward which would allow him to move on.

The striker has endured a difficult couple of years on Merseyside, but occasional displays like the one against Crystal Palace mean they feel he still has a role to play.

As a result, the Toffees still want to add a new forward to their ranks, but any signing will be competing with Beto rather than being seen as a replacement.

“Beto has shown glimpses of quality for Everton this season,” Brown told Football Insider.

“The Beto that we’ve all come to know is ultimately not good enough for the Premier League and for what Everton want, which is to get into Europe.

“So David Moyes wants to sign a new striker to strengthen in that position, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they want to move Beto on.

“Everton plan to keep hold of him because he has shown in his recent performances that he can play a part, he proved it against Crystal Palace.

“Every now and then, he shows he can hold the ball up, he runs the channels, he gets in behind and gets on the end of chances, and that’s why Everton like him.

“If he played like that all the time, he could be a real option, but other times he looks like he’s falling over the ball and misses a load of chances.

“So they want to bring a new striker in, somebody more consistent, but to compete with Beto rather than replace him because he’s still a valuable member of the squad.”

Despite what has been a frustrating spell on Merseyside, there is no shortage of interest in the striker, both from the Premier League and in Europe.

Leeds United are among the English clubs who have previously looked into a move, but there has been no suggestion that he has come close to leaving.

Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed in the January transfer window that Beto was wanted by Serie A clubs with a return to Italy on the cards.

Como and Fiorentina both registered their interest in signing the striker during the mid-season window, but were unable to reach an agreement with Everton.

The striker had a good record in Italy during his spell at Udinese, leading to his move to Merseyside, and a return to the Serie A could be seen as a viable option.

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