VEB Arena, Moscow, Russia - October 2, 2018. CSKA Moscow's Rodrigo Becao celebrates.
Everton are preparing to make an offer to sign Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Exit on the horizon?
The Brazilian has just over 18 months remaining on his deal at the Dacia Arena, but after refusing to sign an extension with the Serie A outfit, an exit could be on the cards in 2023.
The centre-back is currently sidelined due to a flexor injury, and whilst he will be available for selection again after the World Cup break, his contract situation has seen him being linked with a move to the Premier League.
The Latest: Everton eyeing Becao
According to Tutto Udinese (via Sport Witness), Everton are ‘willing to put up’ €15m (£13m) to land Becao in January after registering their interest over the summer.
The Toffees ‘decided not to push forward’ with a move following the arrivals of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski, but the report states that they still ‘remain in the picture’.
Udinese owner Gino Pozzo ‘knows that he will have to sanction a sale’ if contract negotiations reach a roadblock, which Frank Lampard’s side will be ‘hoping for’.
The Verdict: Absolute bargain
The Everton target has been dubbed an ‘insurmountable’ player by journalist Bruno Queiroz, and Becao offers a threat at both ends of the pitch, so being able to secure his services for £13m would be a bargain.
The 6 foot 3 colossus averages three clearances and 2.1 successful aerial duels per game, and also has a goal and assist to his name in just nine appearances this season (WhoScored).
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Those returns would see him rank highly among Lampard’s squad for both metrics, which indicates that he could be an upgrade on many players at Everton.
Whether Becao would be a guaranteed starter given the partnership created between Coady and Tarkowski remains to be seen, but he would certainly appear to be a fantastic prospective addition at Goodison Park.
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