‘Everton plan to accept big-money Beto offer after Leeds update’
Everton are prepared to cash in on Beto in the summer transfer window should a “big-money” offer arrive amid interest from Leeds United.
Speaking on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, former Leeds goalkeeper Paul Robinson explained that the 27-year-old’s goalscoring record in the Premier League is a concern for Daniel Farke’s recruitment team.
Beto has scored 11 goals for Everton in 60 Premier League appearances, albeit only 24 of those came from the start, and has failed to keep his place in the starting XI.
This comes after former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider Leeds could step up their interest in Beto after David Moyes’ side agreed a deal for Thierno Barry.
However, having joined the Toffees for £25million just two years ago, there is a feeling that his price tag will prove too much for Leeds this summer.
Football Insider revealed in January that Everton were looking to sell Beto in a bid to raise funds which would be reinvested into the playing squad.
Leeds to make Beto decision after Callum Wilson update
Farke is determined to add a new striker to his squad this summer amid concerns about Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford’s ability to step up to the Premier League.
Robinson told Football Insider that Leeds will not pursue ex-Newcastle star Callum Wilson amid concerns about his patchy injury record.
Now, the former goalkeeper explained that Leeds want to sign a tried and tested striker who could potentially score 20-25 goals and keep them in the Premier League.
“Probably not a good signing for Leeds in all honesty, no,” he told Football Insider.
“Beto had a resurgence under David Moyes, but Everton paid £25million for him and he’s a bit-part player.
“He played 30 Premier League games last season but not many of them were starts and he scored eight goals, he made 39 appearances the season before last and he scored six goals.
“From a Leeds point of view, I’m not looking at that thinking that’s a great signing who is going to score 20-25 goals and keep us in the Premier League.
“Beto has shown flashes under David Moyes, but why are Everton trying to cash in? Why are Everton looking elsewhere for another striker?
“I’ve got no doubt Beto can score goals at a certain level, that’s why Everton brought him in.
“But for Leeds to pay the big money that they would have to, they should go and get a tried and tested, proven option, not somebody who hasn’t scored the goals.
“I think they’d be overpaying for a player who doesn’t score enough goals.”
Sunderland join Daniel Farke in race to sign Sam Johnstone
Alongside their ambitions of signing a new striker, Leeds are also aiming to strengthen between the sticks as they seek an upgrade on Illan Meslier.
However, Brown told Football Insider on 8 July that Sunderland have joined the race for Sam Johnstone and are prepared to rival Leeds for his signature.
This comes after the Black Cats missed out on a deal to sign Marcin Bulka, who had been their first-choice goalkeeping option, as he instead joined Neom SC in Saudi Arabia.
Brown told Football Insider in May that Johnstone is open to joining Leeds as he targets a move away from Wolves, with the Yorkshire club aiming to upgrade on Meslier.
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