Leeds United to target deal for in-form Everton player as new £100m+ claims emerge | OneFootball

Leeds are looking to bolster their attacking options ahead of returning to the Premier League

Leeds United are interested in a swoop for Everton's top scorer Beto as they prepare for life back in the Premier League.

This is according to a fresh update from Rob Dorsett of Sky Sports, who has also revealed information regarding the transfer kitty which 49ers Enterprises are to reward Daniel Farke with, after the club's two-year hiatus from the top-flight came to an end last weekend.

Such is the disparity between clubs that have been newly promoted from the Championship and those established in the top-flight in the past two seasons, Leeds and Burnley are looking to buck such a trend, with the Elland Road side, in particular, linked with a plethora of high-quality options across different departments in recent times.

And, whilst possessing by far the most potent attack in the second-tier this term, as showcased with a goal return of 95 and a goal difference of 65, there is still room for improvement despite already having the services of Golden Boot winner, Joel Piroe, who will make the step-up to the top division for the first time in his career next season, to call upon.

The Whites' promotion and title-winning exploits have only intensified rumours of Farke adding further attacking quality, with the likes of Jamie Vardy and Celtic's 16-goal man, Daizen Maeda linked in recent days alongside Republic of Ireland international, Troy Parrott.

However, as Everton prepare for a new era of their own next season, in which they will move into their 52,888-capacity stadium at Bramley Moore Dock and the first full campaign under the ownership of the Friedkin Group, it could be a summer of turnover on Merseyside.

And, as reported by the aforementioned Dorsett, United are reportedly interested in the Toffees' Portuguese forward, who is currently the club's top scorer this term with seven goals in all competitions, a tally which was added to in Saturday's disappointing 2-2 draw against already relegated Ipswich Town.

Beto was acquired under the management of Sean Dyche in August 2023 from Udinese in a deal which could be worth up to €30m. After scoring just thrice in the Premier League last season, the 6'3" striker has hit seven this term - six of which have come since Moyes was re-appointed in January, including a calm finish in the final Merseyside Derby against Liverpool at Goodison Park two months ago.

Everton are the lowest scorers in the top-flight outside the bottom three and have recently expressed an interest in Liam Delap amid an active £30m relegation release clause, although Beto has stated there is nothing he can do if the club opt to make changes in the attacking department.

"As I said, this is not my choice," he said via the Echo.

"Me? I just want to be here to play and score goals, and the competition is good for me, good for the club and good for the fans.

"I feel confident. I need to be a threat always in the box so my team knows that they score and cross, and I will try to finish."

How much Leeds United may have to garner for Beto as transfer budget revelation emerges

Furthermore, Dorsett's report states that Farke will be presented with a transfer budget in excess of £100m, with Football Insider stating such a figure could be closer to the £150m mark earlier on Wednesday.

Before Beto hit his first real purple patch for the Toffees, it was reported by TEAMtalk amid interest from Porto in January that Everton were willing to see the physical frontman leave for just £10m, although that could have been altered in the meantime.

Beto would provide Leeds with a different dimension up front due to his link-up play and ability to cause havoc in duels against centre-backs as a result of his strength. However, there will be a concern that he has only hit 10 goals in two seasons - granted, that has been done in a side which, for the most part, haven't been known for creating an array of chances in games.

Therefore, a fresh start at Elland Road could be an ideal opportunity for the 27-year-old to prove himself, especially if Farke's men are able to push a permanent deal for the exceptional Manor Solomon over the line amid strong interest from Marseille, with the Israeli and Dan James mustering 21 assists between them this season.