Everton are reportedly lining up an offer to sign 24-year-old Portuguese defender Aurelio Buta from Royal Antwerp this summer.
According to an exclusive report by The Sun, Everton’s search for a right-back has taken them to Royal Antwerp, where Aurelio Buta has emerged as a potential target late in the summer transfer window. The 24-year-old Portuguese right-back is valued at £3 million by the Belgian outfit.
Aurelio Buta has made some giant strides in his career since joining Royal Antwerp from his first professional club, Portuguese giants Benfica. Initially signed on loan by the Belgian club, the 24-year-old made such a rapid impression that he was signed permanently a year later.
To date, the Portuguese defender has featured 110 times for Royal Antwerp, chipping in with two goals and 20 assists along the way. His progress over the last four years has not gone unnoticed, with Buta emerging as a target for Everton late in the summer transfer window.
Everton has been scouring the transfer market for a right-back this summer as they seek to lay down a succession plan for Seamus Coleman. With the Everton captain on the wrong side of 30 while also having had a few injury issues, it is prudent for the Toffees to be in the market for a player who can not just succeed him in the long-term future but also compete for a place right now.
To that end, Denzel Dumfries had been viewed as a key target for the Merseyside club, who have reportedly been plotting a loan move for the Dutch international. However, Dumfries prefers a move to Inter Milan instead of Everton, who are, therefore, being forced to consider alternatives.
As a result, Djed Spence is one such target to have popped up on Everton’s radar, with Buta an option worth considering as well. What also makes the 24-year-old an appealing prospect for Everton is the fact that his price tag is a meagre £3 million, which will not eat up too much into the Toffees’ budget.
So, with their scouts being left impressed by his performances for Royal Antwerp, it will not be too surprising to see Everton launch the offensive for Buta, although he is also a target for Celtic. As per The Sun, though, Everton are the likelier destination for the Portuguese defender, and it remains to be seen if they indeed land him in a £3 million deal.
