Everton are expected to sign a centre-forward this summer.
David Moyes is ‘fixated’ on signing a striker at the end of the season, as Thierno Barry and Beto just aren’t quite up to the standard required.
Everton could be in Europe next season, so it’s vitally important that they have a prolific and consistent number nine.
How confident on a scale of 1-10 are you that Moyes signs a new deal?😬
1 being he won't sign and 10 being confident he'll ink a new contract!
With that said, the Toffees are being linked to Santiago Castro, who has enjoyed a productive season for Bologna.
Now, it seems Manchester United have joined the race.
Everton facing competition from Man United for Santiago Castro
Everton scouts have reportedly been keeping a close eye on Castro since 2024, so he’s been on their radar for a while.
The 21-year-old is developing at a rapid rate in Italy, and this season he’s managed to register 15 goal involvements for Bologna.
| Competition | Games | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serie A | 29 | 7 | 3 |
| Europa League | 12 | 2 | 1 |
| Supercoppa Italiana | 2 | – | – |
| Italy Cup | 2 | 2 | – |
With that said, other clubs are beginning to be alerted, and according to Il Resto del Carlino, Manchester United scouts watched him against Aston Villa earlier this week.
The Argentina under-23 international played 76 minutes in the Europa League quarter-final second leg, although his side suffered a bruising 4-0 defeat.
Considering United already have Benjamin Sesko, it’s unlikely Castro would join as a first-choice number nine.
So, perhaps Everton could use that as their bargaining tool to convince him to make a switch to Merseyside instead.
A telling summer window awaits, with the Toffees looking at other options, including Troy Parrott and Alexander Sorloth, too.
Receive a digest of our best Everton content each week direct to your mailbox
