Everton are reportedly set to reignite their interest in Udinese striker Beto.
After selling Anthony Gordon to Newcastle United last month for a fee of £45m, Everton were keen to bolster their forward line before the January transfer window closed.
They were on the verge of signing Arnaut Danjuma before Tottenham Hotspur swooped in at the final moment to secure his signature.
Among a number of other names linked was Beto, who has scored seven goals and provided two assists in 23 competitive appearances for Udinese this season.
The Toffees reportedly had a £20m bid for the 25-year-old rejected by the Serie A side, and as it proved, Everton concluded the January window without making a single signing.
Their failure to strengthen in the final third has left Sean Dyche short on forward options for Everton's relegation fight.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled with injury this season, while Neal Maupay has only managed to score one goal in 17 competitive appearances since joining the Merseyside club from Brighton & Hove Albion last summer.
In Calvert-Lewin's absence, Ellis Simms was preferred to Maupay for Monday's Merseyside derby defeat, but the 22-year-old cut a lonely figure up front until he was replaced by Demarai Gray on the hour mark.
Although Everton will have to make do for the remainder of the season, they have not given up hope of signing Beto.
According to Tutto Udinese, Everton are still keeping tabs on Beto as they consider whether to make a bid in the summer.
The Italian club are looking to receive a fee between €25m (£22.2m) and €30m (£26.6m) to part ways with Beto, who is under contract until June 2026.
Udinese have already identified Spezia forward M'bala Nzola as a possible replacement should Beto leave at the end of the season.
Any potential move to Everton could be dependent on their Premier League survival, with the Toffees currently one point adrift from safety.
Everton will face Leeds United - who sit just outside the relegation zone - at Goodison Park on Saturday in a crucial relegation six-pointer. body check tags ::
