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Transfer news and rumours: Beto update, Choupo-Moting to Mainz, Balotelli deal collapses

Transfer news and rumours: Beto update, Choupo-Moting to Mainz, Balotelli deal collapses
© Reuters
Sports Mole rounds up the latest transfer news and rumours, including an update on Beto's Everton future and a possible Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting switch to Mainz 05.

Everton have reportedly told Beto that he is free to leave the club this summer, with Bologna thought to be keen to secure his signature during the current window.

Bologna are in the market for a replacement for Joshua Zirkzee, who has joined Manchester United, and Beto has allegedly been identified by the Italian outfit as a target.

According to Football Insider, Everton have made it clear to the striker that he is free to find a new team.

Beto made the move to Goodison Park last August, penning a four-year contract with the Toffees, but he found it difficult to make his mark for the club during the 2023-24 campaign.

The 26-year-old only managed three goals in 30 Premier League appearances, while he struck just five times in 37 outings for the Merseyside outfit in total.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting celebrates scoring for Bayern Munich on October 4, 2022© Reuters

Mainz 'approach' Choupo-Moting agent

Meanwhile, Mainz 05 have allegedly been in touch with the agent of Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting to discuss a move for the experienced forward on a free transfer.

The Cameroon international left Bayern Munich when his contract expired at the end of last month.

A number of clubs have been credited with an interest in the attacker, but according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Mainz have now approached his agent to discuss a switch to the Bundesliga club.

Romano claims that the 35-year-old will take his time before deciding his next club, as there are expected to be a number of offers on the table in the coming weeks.

The attacker managed 38 goals in 122 appearances during his time at Bayern, while he was again a regular for the Munich giants during the 2023-24 campaign, making 34 appearances in all competitions.

Brescia forward Mario Balotelli pictured in October 2019© Reuters

Balotelli switch 'collapses' at last minute

Elsewhere, Mario Balotelli's proposed move to Corinthians has allegedly fallen through at the final minute.

The experienced attacker is thought to have reached a verbal agreement with the Brazilian outfit over a two-year contract.

However, according to journalist Rudy Galetti, Corinthians decided against closing the deal due to concerns over his physical condition, so the move is now off the table.

Balotelli, 33, most recently turned out for Adana Demirspor, scoring seven times in 16 Super Lig appearances for the club during the 2023-24 campaign.

The Italian famously represented both Manchester City and Liverpool earlier in his career, and he is seemingly preparing to continue in professional football despite suggestions that he was considering retirement.

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Written by
Matt Law

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