MX23RW : Sunday, January 19 22:04:53| >> :60:1527:1527:

Everton transfer news: Toffees 'leading race' for Barcelona forward

Pole position: Everton 'best-placed' to sign Barca forward
© Imago
Premier League club Everton are reportedly leading several Spanish clubs in the race to sign Barcelona striker Vitor Roque.

Everton are reportedly best-placed to sign Barcelona forward Vitor Roque.

The 19-year-old joined Barcelona from Athletico Paranaense in January after registering 28 goals and 11 assists in 81 competitive appearances for the Brazilian.

He struggled to force his way into the side last season, starting just two of his 14 La Liga appearances under Xavi.

While there has been a change in manager, Roque's situation has not improved since the arrival of former Germany boss Hansi Flick.

Roque has not been registered for La Liga and was subsequently omitted from the matchday squad for Saturday's 2-1 win over Valencia at Mestalla.

Barcelona's Vitor Roque in action on May 19, 2024© Imago

Everton in pole position for Roque

Barcelona are seemingly ready to part ways with Roque just seven months after signing him for an initial €30m (£25.6m).

According to Spanish outlet Marca, Everton are currently best-placed to sign Roque before the summer transfer deadline.

The Toffees are believed to be leading a number of Spanish teams in the race, including Real Betis, Real Sociedad and Girona.

Betis are allegedly looking into the prospect of negotiating a loan deal with an option to buy, but they are also considering a number of other targets, including Kevin Denkey and Youssoufa Moukoko.

Las Palmas' Alvaro Valles in action with FC Barcelona's Vitor Roque on January 4, 2024© Reuters

Everton looking to strengthen forward options

Everton are keen to strengthen in the final third after finishing the 2023-24 Premier League campaign as the second-lowest scorer with 40 goals.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is Everton's current first-choice striker, but he has been linked with a potential move away from Goodison Park.

Sean Dyche's alternative options to Calvert-Lewin are currently Iliman Ndiaye, Chermiti, Beto and Neal Maupay.

However, it remains to be seen whether Beto and Maupay will still be with the Merseyside club when the transfer window shuts on August 30.

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Written by
Ben Sully

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Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Real Madrid20144247202746
2Atletico MadridAtletico20135234132144
3Barcelona20123552232939
4Athletic Bilbao20116331181339
5Villarreal198653431330
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad208481714328
8GironaGirona208482827128
9Rayo Vallecano206862323026
10Osasuna206862429-526
11Sevilla207582329-626
12Real BetisBetis206772226-425
13Celta Vigo2073102932-324
14Las PalmasLas Palmas2064102533-822
15Leganes205781929-1022
16Getafe204881417-320
17AlavesAlaves2055102432-820
18Espanyol2054111932-1319
19Valencia2037101929-1016
20Real ValladolidValladolid2043131439-2515


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