It was not the start to the season that Everton were hoping for, as they fell to a hefty defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion.
The scoreline flattered the visitors, who were massively helped by Ashley Young’s moment of madness, but it was the same old problems for Sean Dyche that undid his side.
A lack of finishing prowess left them hamstrung, as it did all last campaign, and it could well spur them into the market for one final acquisition.
Everton plan bid for Brazilian striker
The latest on Everton’s pursuit of Vitor Roque comes via Spanish outlet SPORT, which claims that a bid is now being readied by the Merseyside club to try and pry the Brazilian from Barcelona.
Whilst their interest has been well-documented and longstanding, little progress has been made, likely due to the stumbling block that is his huge €30m (£26m) price tag.
Kevin Thelwell will want to navigate that with caution, and is doing so by planning a cautious opening bid.
The report reads: ‘Barça is prioritizing this path as Sporting Lisbon is very interested in the football player. Everton also asked, but for now it has not presented a formal offer, according to sources from the Blaugrana club.
‘The options of Bournemouth and Porto have fallen and Lazio has stopped showing signs of interest. The Portuguese option can be a good way out for all parties.’
Ironically, around this time last year, Roque actually argued with former Everton favourite Richarlison about the music selection whilst both were out on international duty.
Everton should sign Richarlison instead of Vitor Roque
Whilst on the topic of Richarlison, it’s worth noting that the Brazilian is almost certain to fall down the pecking order in the coming season at Spurs, which will severely dent his chances of starting in the international team.
Starring up front for Brazil is his pride and joy, and suffering limited game time for his club will not fly when competition for places are so high.
Fortunately, he will know that he always has a home in Goodison Park, should he maybe choose to return on loan for a season whilst his parent club battle to return into European football.
Roque may be the next big exciting talent to come out of Brazil, but with his career stalling at Barcelona, bringing him in permanently would mark a supremely risky transfer.
However, tempting Richarlison back on loan marks a no-brainer, should Ange Postecoglou allow it.
He would solve Dyche’s finishing problems in a heartbeat.
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