Report: Everton have just made move to sign £17m Tottenham target today

By Ben Evans

The restart of the Premier League is now less than two weeks away, with Everton just a point above the drop zone.

The January transfer window could be the key to the Toffees securing their top-flight status.

TuttoMercatoWeb, relaying a report from Il Messaggero Veneto has provided an update on a potential Everton target.

Everton are desperate to find a way to score more goals, as they currently average less than one a game in the league.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has struggled with his fitness, and Neal Maupay doesn’t look capable of stepping up in his place.

Lampard has made Everton much more defensively resilient.

The introduction of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski to the side has been crucial to that improvement.

TuttoMercatoWeb’s report suggests Everton are looking to improve their back line even further.

They believe that Everton now want to sign Udinese defender Rodrigo Becao, and have made their move today.

The Italian publication says that ‘there has been a survey by Everton for the defender in the last few hours’.

Everton want to sign Rodrigo Becao

This isn’t the first time the Toffees have been linked with the Brazilian.

Sky Sports reported back in July that Everton were in talks with Becao, but the deal never materialised.

Instead, Coady and Tarkowski arrived, but a number of Everton’s back-up defenders could be on the move soon.

Yerry Mina is looking for a way out of the club, and could be on his way to Italy.

Michael Keane is another player who could be leaving Goodison Park, with West Ham interested in his services.

Becao has had a fine season with Udinese, and his £17m price tag has attracted interest from Tottenham.

According to FBRef, he’s in the top 5% of centre-backs for tackles and progressive passes.

Becao defends well in one-on-one situations, and uses the ball well when in possession.

Everton may need to act quickly if they want to sign Becao.

They could face a lot of competition from other Premier League sides if it becomes clear he’s available in January.