Everton identify Santiago Castro as potential Beto replacement

Everton are considering a move for Bologna striker Santiago Castro should Beto leave Goodison Park this summer, with the Argentine emerging as one of the club's preferred attacking targets.

Beto has been repeatedly linked with a return to Serie A after another inconsistent campaign on Merseyside, prompting Everton to begin planning for a possible replacement.

Castro is among the names under serious consideration, although Bologna are expected to demand around €40 millionfor the highly-rated 21-year-old.

According to Corriere di Bologna, Everton have added Castro to their shortlist as uncertainty continues to surround Beto's future.

The Guinea-Bissau international has scored 25 goals in 111 appearances since arriving from Udinese in 2023 but has yet to reach double figures in a single Premier League campaign.

Despite finding the net nine times in limited league minutes last season, doubts remain over whether Beto is Everton's long-term first-choice striker.

If he departs this summer, Castro is viewed as one of the leading candidates to replace him.

Bologna are prepared to sell one of their prized attacking assets after missing out on European qualification, but they are reluctant to lose both Castro and Jonathan Rowe in the same window.

While Chelsea continue to monitor Rowe, Everton's interest in Castro is believed to be more advanced.

The Serie A club are expected to hold out for €40 million, matching previous reports linking the striker with Nottingham Forest earlier in the transfer window.

That valuation reflects Castro's growing reputation despite his relatively modest goalscoring record.

Castro has contributed 15 goals and eight assists across the past two seasons for Bologna, developing into a forward known as much for his link-up play as his finishing.

The Argentine's movement, work rate and ability to bring teammates into the game have made him one of Serie A's most promising young strikers.

However, there are questions over his consistency.

Like Beto, Castro has shown a tendency to score in bursts before going through quieter spells, meaning Everton would be investing heavily in potential rather than a proven prolific goalscorer.

At 21, though, the Argentine still has considerable room for development and fits Everton's long-term recruitment strategy.

Everton's pursuit of Castro is likely to depend on developments surrounding Beto's future. Should the Guinea-Bissau international depart, the Toffees could step up negotiations with Bologna, although the Italian club's €40 million asking price may prove a significant hurdle.

Would Santiago Castro be an upgrade on Beto, or should Everton pursue a more established goalscorer this summer?