Everton have ‘cooled their interest’ in £17 million-rated Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao, Fabrizio Romano tells Caught Offside while playing down links with Premier League giants Tottenham Hotspur and Arsenal.
On the evidence of that humiliating EFL Cup defeat to Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium, neither Yerry Mina nor Michael Keane will be missed all too fondly at Goodison Park.
Both players, 90Min say, could be up for sale in the New Year. Keane has played just 22 minutes of Premier League football this season, while injuries have clearly taken their toll on Mina; the one-time Barcelona man appearing as if he was running through treacle on the South Coast, roasted by the Bournemouth frontline on more than one occasion.
Everton, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur linked with Rodrigo Becao of Udinese
Of course, if two central defenders are to leave, a replacement or two must arrive in their place. TuttoUdinese reported this week that Everton are weighing up a potential £12 million January bid for 26-year-old Becao; a 6ft 3ins Brazilian who has been a major part of Udinese’s success over the last 18 months or so.
According to Fabrizio Romano, however, Everton have not shown a serious interest in Becao since the summer. Nor, for that matter, have North London duo Arsenal or Spurs.
“Everton were interested in signing Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao during the summer. But (the Toffees) have since cooled their interest,” Romano says. “There are no talks ongoing now between Udinese and any other club.
“Despite what you might be hearing elsewhere, there are currently no talks with Arsenal or Tottenham. What I can tell you is that he was an option for Everton last summer, but it’s gone quiet now.
“There are no talks ongoing with Udinese.”
Becao’s current contract expires in less than two years’ time. Try as they might, Udinese have been unable to agree an extension. Becao is holding out for terms that would see him become one of the club’s highest earners.
Everton have conceded 17 games in 15 league games this season. Conor Coady and James Tarkowski remain inspired additions, even if concerns remain over their lack of pace. A weakness brutally exposed by Saturday’s 3-0 defeat to Bournemouth; a result which came just days after their 4-1 Carabao Cup exit at the same ground.
