Everton are seemingly obsessed with completing one signing in particular this winter.
The Toffees launched a bid to take Youssef En-Nesyri on loan from Fenerbahce, and the Turkish giants even accepted an offer from Everton.
However, the 28-year-old preferred a move to Italy and has agreed to sign for Juventus on a loan running until the end of the season.
Despite that, the hugely reliable Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu has now claimed that Everton have made one last attempt to try and change the mind of En-Nesyri after Fenerbahce bid for Beto.
Finish this sentence: At the end of the window, Beto will be playing for… 🤔
What would YOU do if you were calling the shots?
Beto bid sparks one final push from Everton for Youssef En-Nesyri
Sabuncuoğlu has taken to X (previously known as Twitter) to reveal that Everton once again asked the Morocco international on Friday whether he would consider a move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It came after Fenerbahce made an approach for Beto.
As talks went on, Everton are said to have proposed a swap deal involving En-Nesyri and the Guinea-Bissau international.
The Moroccan again told Everton he is not keen on moving to England, which led the Toffees to demand £17m from Fenerbahce if they want Beto – a price high enough to have allegedly put the Turkish giants off, and discussions therefore collapsed.
We can understand why Everton are so keen on signing the African forward, who Jacek Kulig of Football Talent Scout once called a “pure goalscorer” on X after a particularly fine spell in Spain, where he netted two hat-tricks within the space of a few weeks in 2021 and 69 La Liga goals in total.
However – judging by reports at least – the man born in Fes has made it very clear that he is unwilling to move to England, so Everton hopefully have a backup option in mind they can pursue before the 2nd February transfer deadline.
Everton should consider lowering the £17m asking price for Beto
Everton paid £26m to sign Beto from Udinese back in August 2023, so we can see why The Friedkin Group want to recoup a large portion of that by charging Fenerbahce £17m.
However, the Toffees need to consider what will happen if nobody meets that asking price this winter.
Alan Myers isn’t a fan of Youssef En-Nesyri…who should Everton sign instead? 🤔
Recent reports regarding Youssef En-Nesyri concerns about English weather haven't impressed many…
Beto will only have 12 months remaining on his contract when the season ends, which typically leaves the selling club in a weak negotiating position.
It is the last window of opportunity for a permanent sale before Everton potentially lose the 27-year-old for nothing in 2027.
£17m is a lot to ask for a player with just two goals in 22 Premier League appearances so far this season, so Everton should at least consider offering Beto to Fenerbahce for £15m – if not a little less.
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