Everton cool down interest in €15 million Brazilian player playing in Serie A

To improve the central defence, Everton signed James Tarkowski on a free transfer. Frank Lampard was looking to further upgrade the defence, which saw the Toffees get linked to Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao.

Everton were one of many clubs who were following the Brazilian after an impressive season with the Serie A side. He played 35 out of 38 league games, impressing in a back three system. The Toffees were deprived of a reliable leader in the central defence and the arrival of Tarkowski solved that problem.

The current centre back roster consists of injury prone players and inconsistent players. Yerry Mina has been put on the market as the Toffees push to reduce their wage bill. There have been rumours of Lampard preferring a three centre back system instead of back four; hence, the arrival of Becao would have made a lot of sense.

The 26 year old is comfortable playing on the right side of the back three and uses his superior physique to bully attackers and win aerial duels. Udinese have slapped a €15 million price tag on Becao whose deal runs till 2024.

Everton cool down interest in Rodrigo Becao

Everton are not the only side that showed interest in the Brazilian defender. From England, Tottenham Hotspur also made initial contact with the Serie A side for Becao. In Italy, Lazio, Napoli and Torino were providing competition to Everton in the chase of the 26 year old.

According to Tutto Udinese, Becao continues to be an attractive player to a number of clubs. Everton had initial talks but since then the transfer interest has cooled down. In the case of Torino, who are searching for a Gleison Bremer replacement, knocked on the doors of Udinese but were shocked to know Udinese’s asking price. Even Napoli have remained in contact with I Fruilani but no official bid has arrived.

Everton made contact with Udinese to enquire about Becao weeks ago but since then interest has cooled down completely and no talks have taken place since then. It seems that the Toffees would prefer another defender if they still want to upgrade their defence.

Levi Colwill’s future is uncertain after the arrival of Kalidou Koulibaly and Everton have always admired the profile of the Chelsea defender. The Cobham academy graduate will seek to leave the club should Chelsea continue to sign more defenders. In that case, Everton should not waste time and attempt the signing of Colwill.

Was Rodrigo Becao a viable option to upgrade the central defence?