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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 Madrid19134243192443
2Atletico MadridAtletico18125133122141
3Barcelona19122551222938
4Athletic Bilbao19106329171236
5Villarreal188643430430
6Mallorca199371921-230
7Real Sociedad187471613325
8GironaGirona187472625125
9Real BetisBetis186752122-125
10Osasuna186752327-425
11Celta Vigo187382728-124
12Rayo Vallecano185762021-122
13Las PalmasLas Palmas186482327-422
14Sevilla186482027-722
15Leganes184681728-1118
16AlavesAlaves184592130-917
17Getafe183781115-416
18Espanyol1843111630-1415
19Valencia1826101728-1112
20Real ValladolidValladolid1833121237-2512


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