Everton have been long-term linked with a move for Beto, and a new update has emerged regarding the player’s future ahead of a potential move in the summer.

What’s the latest on Everton’s interest in Beto?

According to Tutto Udinese (via Sport Witness), Udinese could now be willing to part ways with their striker in the summer.

As per the report, Beto has received a lot of interest from Premier League clubs, with Everton named as one of those who are following his performances closely.

It is claimed that Udinese will command up to €30m (£27m) and have already lined up a replacement should the 25-year-old leave in the coming months.

Beto is just what Dyche needs at Everton

There is no doubt that reinforcements are desperately needed in the forward line at Goodison Park following the exit of Richarlison (2021/22 top scorer) last summer and the departure of Anthony Gordon (second-highest scorer in 2022/23) in January, both of which have evidently weakened Everton’s forward line.

The Toffees have the worst goal tally (16) in the entire Premier League, which has left them fighting a relegation battle at the bottom of the table over their remaining 16 fixtures.

Therefore, if Sean Dyche can save Everton from dropping into the Championship, signing Beto could make a huge difference in the final third and duly improve their performances next season.

Across 52 appearances for Udinese, the 25-year-old has scored 18 goals and registered two assists, with a goal contribution every 178 minutes, and this season he continues to prove that he can be a real asset in front of goal.

Beto has scored seven goals, delivered one assist and created two big chances in 22 Serie A appearances, along with averaging 1.6 shots on goal and winning four duels per game.

The Portuguese predator has been the recipient of high praise for his impact at Udinese, with journalist Sam Tighe hailing Beto’s ability to “spook defenders” in an analysis of his presence on the pitch.

He stated: “The way Beto (Udinese) spooks defenders is amazing. Chuck a ball into the channel for him to chase and even if he doesn’t latch onto it, defenders panic under his pressure and end up making the craziest decisions or panicked clearances.”

A huge presence in the front three is just what Dyche needs in order for Everton to cause problems for opponents, and if the powerbrokers at Goodison Park can secure a deal for Beto, it could transform the Toffees’ hitherto blunt attacking threat.

Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez has a ‘chance’ to be available for tonight’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid, according to Jurgen Klopp.

The Lowdown: Nunez injury concern

The Uruguayan had to be substituted during the 2-0 Premier League victory at Newcastle last weekend after sustaining a shoulder injury, causing concern over the extent of the problem.

The Reds manager confirmed after the game that the 23-year-old was in ‘pain’ and would need to be further assessed, but he was spotted in training on Monday, and another positive update has since emerged.

The Latest: Nunez fitness update

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Klopp hinted that Nunez could be available to face Carlo Ancelotti’s side at Anfield.

Quoted by Liverpool’s official website, the German said: “There’s a chance. From all the possible scenarios, apart from being absolutely nothing; that’s not the case.

“We have to see how he can deal with the pain [and] when we know that, we make a decision.”

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The Verdict: Boost for Klopp

Nunez has been dubbed a ‘predator’ by journalist James Dodd, and it’ll be a huge boost for Klopp should he have the forward back at his disposal for tonight’s showdown.

The Uruguayan has posted 15 goal contributions in 28 appearances on Merseyside and is currently averaging four shots per top-flight game, highlighting his threat in the final third.

The 23-year-old also ranks in the 99th percentile among strikers in Europe’s top five leagues for non-penalty expected goals, shots taken, and non-penalty expected goals plus assisted goals, an indication of his unrelenting nature at the apex of the Reds’ attack.

Liverpool will need him on form if they want to pick up a positive result against the team who vanquished them in last year’s Champions League final, and Klopp’s comments offer hope that Nunez will get the chance to test himself against Ancelotti’s team tonight.

Aston Villa correspondent Ashley Preece has said that a move for sporting director Antonio Cordon is not advanced at this stage.

The Lowdown: Cordon rumours

Christian Purslow is expecting an extremely busy transfer window at Villa Park this summer, with rumours regarding a move for Cordon emerging in recent days.

Reports have suggested that Villa have held discussions with the sporting director after he announced he was to step down from his role at Real Betis.

Current transfer chief Johan Lange has been linked with an exit in recent months, but Preece has shared what he knows about both.

The Latest: Preece’s comments

Preece shared a transcript from a Birmingham Live Q&A on Friday morning, where he was quizzed on the speculation to Cordon.

He’s been told not to expect the Spaniard in the Midlands before the summer and said a move isn’t advanced, with Lange’s position untroubled.

“With the Cordon story, it’s not as advanced as you might think. Just noises coming from Spain at the moment, Lange’s position as sporting director is untroubled; Purslow and the owners rate his work.

“Whether it was Emery or his advisors possibly speaking to Cordon about coming in in the summer to help out in some capacity… maybe… we’ll have to see but I’ve been told don’t be expecting Cordon in at Villa Park before the season’s out. Could turn out to be nothing so let’s see.”

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The Verdict: Interesting

Preece appeared to hint that Unai Emery or his representatives could have been the ones to reach out to Cordon, and with the club happy with Lange, a move may not materialise.

On the other hand, Villa could always see the pair working together in the transfer window, so it will be interesting to see what happens with the Spaniard over the coming months.

Nothing is expected to happen before the end of the season, though, leaving Lange to carry on planning for the summer with Emery.

Qatari investors looking to complete a takeover at Manchester United are growing in confidence over a deal, according to Football Insider.

The Lowdown: Takeover plans

Reports last month suggested that Qatari investors were planning a mega-money swoop at Old Trafford and had big plans.

The Qatari group wanted ‘things done quickly’ so they could help Erik ten Hag with transfer funds heading into the summer, with stadium redevelopment and fan engagement also at the heart of their bid.

The Latest: Positive update

Adam Williams, FI’s finance and governance correspondent, shared a story in the last 48 hours regarding Qatari investors.

The title of the story claimed that the Qatari investors are in pole position to buy Manchester United, adding that they ‘are growing in confidence as fewer bidders than expected have met the Glazer family’s deadline for offers’.

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The Verdict: Record-breaking?

The Glazers value the club at around £6billion, which could see United become the most expensive sports team ever ahead of the Denver Broncos.

However, none of the bids received have matched their valuation yet, so a takeover could need some work despite this positive feeling involving Qatari investors.

Reports elsewhere suggest that a takeover is more likely to happen in May, so it looks as if speculation may continue over the coming months, but Ten Hag will have all of his focus on playing matters, with the Red Devils still in three more competitions after winning the Carabao Cup.

Alex Crook believes that Manchester United could finally hand Erik ten Hag the midfielder he craves in Frenkie de Jong.

The Lowdown: Man United will look to improve

United were very interested and keen to sign De Jong last summer as Ten Hag tried to bolster his midfield options but instead, they decided to recruit Casemiro and many may believe they actually got a better deal with the Brazilian given his performances.

However, Man United are still being linked with De Jong despite his persistence against joining the Red Devils last summer as Ten Hag looks to build upon what has been a very solid season of progress and rebuild.

The Red Devils will have been buoyed recently by the news that Barcelona are set to be hit with a transfer ban this summer, which could indeed force them into a sort of fire sale, including De Jong.

The Latest: De Jong could move to Old Trafford

Crook has admitted on TalkSPORT that despite their failed attempts to land De Jong last summer, Ten Hag may finally be reunited with the former Ajax player this upcoming transfer window.

He said: (0:30) “Of course, De Jong got a bit of a taste of the feel-good factor that’s certainly reverberating around Old Trafford when Barcelona were dumped out of the Europa League at United last week.

“I think this is one that could happen and I think Manchester United fans should be excited, Casemiro alongside De Jong in midfield that is top quality.”

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The Verdict: Ten Hag could assemble monster midfield

It will be mouthwatering for Man United fans to imagine a midfield duo of Casemiro and De Jong, players who’ve played at the very top level of the game and the latter has been hailed as the ‘best player on the ball’ after his El Classico display on Thursday night.

De Jong may well have got a taste for moving to Old Trafford after experiencing the atmosphere last week during Barcelona’s Europa League defeat, however, given that the Catalonian giants are thriving in the league, it will be a tough choice for him to make.

If Ten Hag was to be handed De Jong this summer as well as a proven goalscorer then there would be no reason why the Red Devils couldn’t become serious title contenders next season based on their form as of late.

Referee Kevin Clancy and his VAR team may have made a key mistake as they missed a possible penalty for a foul on Alistair Johnston in the most recent Celtic match.

What’s the latest on VAR and Celtic?

In the Scottish Cup this weekend, the Bhoys travelled to Tynecastle Park as they faced Heart of Midlothian in the quarter-final stage of the competition.

In the end, goals from Aaron Mooy, Kyogo Furuhashi and Cameron Carter-Vickers were enough to hand Ange Postecoglou’s side a comfortable 3-0 win.

However, the scoreline could have looked even healthier had any of the officials been able to spot a possible foul on Johnston inside the Hearts penalty box.

Why did VAR not give Celtic a penalty?

As the footage shared online shows, the Celtic right-back was clearly fouled and he looks to be just inside the box even if it is very tight.

Indeed, Hearts midfielder Andy Halliday fails to get close to the ball but clatters into Johnston and can count himself fortunate not to be punished.

Referee Clancy didn’t spot it live but the VAR technology was in operation for the cup match and so official Willie Collum really should have reviewed the challenge and instructed his colleague to point to the spot as it was an obvious mistake.

The score was still just 1-0 at the time and so this could have potentially been a turning point in the game had Hearts managed to get themselves level.

In the end, Celtic had too much quality for it to matter but Postecoglou still have the right to feel a little aggrieved today.

Tottenham Hotspur’s transfer business has been slammed after their shock exit from the FA Cup on Wednesday evening.

For the second season running, the Premier League outfit were knocked out at the fifth-round stage to a Championship team, this time Sheffield United providing the scalp on their own turf, Bramall Lane.

A 79th-minute solo effort from Iliman Ndiaye sealed the victory for the Blades as he weaved his way past Spurs’ lacklustre backline before slotting a tidy finish past backup goalkeeper Fraser Forster.

After the full-time whistle, journalist Delme Parfitt was quick to lambast the likes of Richarlison and Ivan Perisic, two summer signings that have failed to make a desired impact for the Lilywhites.

“Dreadful night for Spurs. Outfought and outplayed. Richarlison and Perisic both desperately disappointing signings,” he said.

How did Ivan Perisic perform vs Sheffield United?

The 34-year-old, signed by Antonio Conte, was certainly one of a multitude of poor performers up in Sheffield, with the Croatian veteran proving wasteful in the final third as he squandered numerous chances.

Indeed, Perisic managed only 19 passes at an accuracy rate of 58%, which was the worst of any Spurs player on the pitch by quite some margin, whilst he also lost possession an eye-watering 34 times, meaning he lost the ball every other touch, via Sofascore.

This included just one accurate cross from 11 attempts (9%), so it’s no wonder his teammates struggled to impose authority on the second-tier opposition in and around the penalty box, with Richarlison being hooked by the 65th minute.

As a winner of three league titles and one Champions League, Perisic is one of the more experienced and successful members of this Spurs squad, so his quality is needed in a game like this, yet to see him fail to deliver is ultimately a huge disappointment, just as Partiff stated.

The versatile left wing-back was also slammed as being “so, so bad” and “one of the worst” by writer Andrew Gaffney, as well as being “a massive waste of money” by The Athletic’s James Maw.

He may well have been a free transfer but for wages reported to be in the region of £180k-per-week, you’d want to see a lot better, especially as the former Inter Milan star has made just one Premier League goal contribution since the end of October.

A lot of the fanbase may turn to Davinson Sanchez – a usual scapegoat in a moment like this – for their frustrations or fellow defender Ben Davies, who both registered considerably lower Sofascore ratings on the night, but players of Perisic’s calibre failed to step up and that has to be a major cause for concern.

AND in other news, Alasdair Gold shares eight goalkeepers looked at by Paratici…

Journalist Ben Jacobs has insisted that the Qatari group interested in buying Manchester United are not worried about other bidders – but won’t get involved in any bidding war.

The Lowdown: Takeover still dragging on

The Raine Group are said to have fast-tracked the Qatari group and Sir Jim Ratcliffe – of the known bidders, at least – through to the second phase of a potential Man United takeover, which is a positive sign for fans.

While there is a level of uncertainty surrounding the Glazers and whether or not they are willing sellers, this step forward should be a sign of them at least exploring the possibility of a full sale.

It has been reported that the interested Qatari group are only looking for a 100% takeover of the Red Devils, which may not be too difficult for them given the financial clout they will have behind them.

The Latest: Qatar not here to play games

Jacobs has insisted on the UnitedPeoplesTV YouTube channel that while they won’t know what other parties are in the running, the Qataris are confident in their own bid and valuation of Man United.

He said: “People talk and there’ll be whispers, but nothing will be formally shared. And this is where the gamesmanship comes back in again, because, of course, the Glazers – particularly with mystery groups or bidders – will drum up the fact that they’ve got interest to a higher number to try and provoke competitive tension.

“Qatar have made it abundantly clear – certainly, sources that I’ve spoken to – that they’re not going to be tricked or forced into some kind of mystery bidding war. And I think what gives Qatar confidence is that they know that their valuation already is, in all likelihood, higher than Sir Jim Ratcliffe.”

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The Verdict: A long way still to go

As shown by the Newcastle United takeover, these things can indeed be dragged on for a prolonged period of time, especially when sovereign wealth states begin to get involved, as that attracts interest from all over the country, including human rights groups.

However, the fact that a Qatari group have been passed through to the next stage on behalf of Man United’s owners shows that progress is being made, albeit at a slow and steady pace at present.

While steps are being taken by The Raine Group to get a takeover passed through so a new owner can flex their muscles in the summer transfer window, any deal would need to be ratified by the Premier League, which will have its own measures and tests for potential buyers to go through.

Tottenham Hotspur would likely have to convince Mauricio Pochettino of their project if they are to pursue their former manager in the coming months.

Do Spurs want to bring Mauricio Pochettino back?

Serious question marks hang over the future of Antonio Conte in north London with reports suggesting he doesn’t want to be at the club any longer and the sentiment is shared by some of the players.

It has been a dismal campaign for the Lilywhites, on the whole, and it appears it is in danger of fizzling out in the remaining games of the Premier League campaign.

One name which has been heavily linked with a potential return to north London is that of Pochettino, with some claiming he would be in favour of succeeding Conte.

However, Alasdair Gold has suggested it may not be as simple as that, with the Argentinian potentially having to be convinced by the Spurs board to come back:

“It all depends on what’s changed this summer, whether he still kind of has that complete belief. Like I say, from what I hear, I think it’ll be a bit more of a sell than Spurs might be thinking it would be if they are going to approach him. It’s not a foregone conclusion whatsoever.”

Should Spurs rehire Mauricio Pochettino?

There is certainly a huge element of risk in going back to an old manager and a potential return could put Pochettino’s legacy at Spurs at risk.

Some may question what legacy he has given he never got his hands on silverware, however, he provided the club with a lot more than what the likes of Conte and Jose Mourinho did over their tenures.

To take Spurs to a Champions League final and deliver consistent top-four football on the budget which he was provided for the majority of his time there was fairly impressive.

However, there are some uncertainties at the club currently with the main concern being over the future of Harry Kane ahead of the summer transfer window.

Whether or not Pochettino’s return would be enough to keep Kane at the club for the foreseeable is another question but it could well come into his thinking if he was offered the role.

Another concern for the 51-year-old could be the club’s current set-up with a belief across the media that he would be unlikely to work under Fabio Paratici.

The future of Paratici remains unclear at the moment with his ongoing off-field issues, but whether Spurs would be willing to scrap the concept of having a director of football could be an issue.

But it is apparent the Argentinian is not the only name on Spurs’ shortlist to potentially replace Conte and it certainly seems as a return is not an absolute certainty.

Chelsea have identified Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Moises Caicedo as a summer transfer target, according to a new report.

The Lowdown: Missed out in January

At one stage in the January transfer window, Caicedo was believed to be ‘extremely keen’ to join Chelsea, however Brighton priced the midfielder out of a move, demanding £90m to let him leave.

The Blues eventually settled on signing Enzo Fernandez for £106.8m on deadline day, however with Mason Mount’s future at the club in doubt, Graham Potter may need to once again strengthen the midfield area in the summer.

The Latest: Caicedo shortlisted

According to a report from Football Insider, Chelsea have shortlisted four midfield targets for the next window, with the Brighton ace named alongside the likes of Jude Bellingham, Declan Rice and Frenkie de Jong.

The Blues may find it hard to sign the Ecuadorian, however, given that he has recently signed a new long-term contract with his current club, and so it would be a major deal for this one to happen.

The Verdict: Get it done?

While it may be a very difficult task to prise the central midfielder away from Brighton, Chelsea should still test the waters in the summer transfer window, as he would be an excellent addition to the squad.

Hailed as ‘fantastic’ by football scout Jacek Kulig, who has also likened him to Steven Gerrard, the 21-year-old particularly specialises in winning the ball back, ranked third in the entire Premier League for tackles completed so far this season.

Not only that, but the starlet ranks in the 87th percentile for interceptions and the 86th for his pass completion rate per 90 in the past year, highlighting his defensive aptitude, as well as his ability in possession.

Chelsea may find it difficult to tempt the likes of Bellingham and Rice without Champions League football, and so Caicedo could be a fantastic alternative for Potter.