Beto deal claimed to be close as Everton face crucial game without a striker

UDINE, ITALY - JUNE 04: Beto of Udinese and Federico Gatti of Juventus during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus at Dacia Arena on June 04, 2023 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)
UDINE, ITALY - JUNE 04: Beto of Udinese and Federico Gatti of Juventus during the Serie A match between Udinese Calcio and Juventus at Dacia Arena on June 04, 2023 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Timothy Rogers/Getty Images)

As Everton face Wolves this afternoon in a match they really must win the team are without a natural centre-forward and goalscorer.

In a ridiculous situation once more, the Toffees have to find a way to score for the first time this season with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, again out injured and the obvious alternative Neal Maupay having signally failed to impress.

Everton have signed a striker this summer in Youssef Chermiti but he is 19 and hugely inexperienced having not played a single minute in the Premier League.

So, as Sean Dyche comes to select a side that simply cannot lose later today and really must win, he has no strikeforce he can rely on!

It is a story we have seen over and over again during the last year to eighteen months and nothing ever seems to be done to resolve it.

The Blues are already three weeks into the new campaign and just as last season they are without a recognised centre-forward and a reliable goalscorer.

Rumours continue to circulate about several different forwards who have been on the club’s radar for weeks now.

A deal for Southampton’s Che Adams still seems a long way off although apparently there might be firmer news soon. We’ll wait and see about this as usual.

Meanwhile, another player Everton have pursued all summer long is Wilfried Gnonto. The Toffees have had several bids turned down by Leeds who insisit he is not for sale at any price.

However, the Blues are still interested in Gnonto and will supposedly make a final bid for him.

Another player long sought by the Blues is Portuguese hit-man Beto. New reports online today claim that the Udinese striker is prepared to move to Merseyside and it is now a case of agreeing a fee and other details.

Beto would be a good bet for me and I think he could do well in the Premier League. But of course will Everton get a deal done in time for a player they tried and failed to sign in January?