Everton claimed to be talking with target Rodrigo Becao
Reports today assert that Everton are closing in on a second signing of the summer with talks apparently ongoing between the club and Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao.
This story comes via Sky Italia who claim that Everton are in ‘advanced’ negotiations with the 26-year-old Udinese centre-back.
Of course it’s all media talk so as per usual it’s impossible to be sure this has any solid foundation to it or if it’s just rumour and gossip.
According to the report the Toffees’ want to bring in the Brazilian after just announcing the signing of former Burnley defender James Tarkowski.
On the face of it, this link doesn’t make a lot of sense as after adding Tarkowski, Everton now have six first-team squad centre-backs with Mason Holgate, Micheal Keane, Ben Godfrey, Yerry Mina and Jarrad Branthwaite, alongside Tarkowski. Furthermore Seamus Coleman can also play in central defence too.
However, Branthwaite may go out on loan next season and one or two of those players could still leave permanently. There have been a few rumours circulating, although I would imagine only Mina, (injuries aside) would attract much serious interest from other clubs.
Furthermore, Frank Lampard is strongly rumoured to be keen on going with a three-man central defence so another consistent and reliable player who stays fit could be necessary.
Given all that, who is Becao and would he make a good addition to the Blues’ central defensive ranks?
The Brazil defender looks like a tall, solid centre-half whose main strengths are his tackling and ability in the air. He’s actually a defender who appears to be very similar in type to Mina.
Does this mean that the Toffees’ are certainly considering to sell the Colombian? Possibly, he only has a year left on his contract and so it might make sense for the club to cash in on him this summer.
At any rate, while I think that another decent centre-back who can also stay healthy (that would be a change wouldn’t it!) could well be worth a punt, Everton probably have other priorities, especially having just signed Tarkowski.
Of course, the Blues’ have sold Richarlison to Spurs in the last few days and so need to replace the Brazilian star, hopefully as soon as possible.
In addition, midfield is another area of the team that obviously needs major surgery, with a host of issues to be resolved there.
I suppose if Becao is available for a very reasonable fee and Frank Lampard thinks he can add value to the defence, and also intends to sell one or other of his other centre-backs, then perhaps he would be a useful addition.