View: Moyes has clear priority to push for 16-goal Serie A gem after new controversy with Everton star

Everton may once again look to sign Santiago Castro this summer, with Thierno Barry’s future uncertain.

The Toffees were linked with the Bologna star in January, but a deal for him failed among attempts for other strikers.

David Moyes‘ priority was a new number nine in the winter window, as Barry and Beto were both frustrating at the time.

Castro has been learning his trade in Italy’s top flight with Bologna, and still has plenty of years left ahead of him for growth.

Now, Barry could leave Everton due to a relationship with fans that only seems to be getting worse, and Moyes may know just the man to replace him.

Santiago Castro emerging as the chaotic striker Everton crave

Barry responded to a negative comment from an Everton supporter this Wednesday, suggesting that people are giving him unfair stick on social media.

Moyes may be questioned once more on the 23-year-old’s social media actions, as the Everton boss claimed the club dealt with the previous fan incident internally, regarding the number nine.

As seen in the table above, Castro and Barry’s league stats are interesting, with the former having many more shots but generating less xG than the Everton star and scoring more goals.

Everton tried to sign the 21-year-old in the winter window, and were reportedly in talks with Bologna over a potential £31million deal.

Castro now has 16 goals for Bologna in the Serie A across three seasons and 75 games, but his record from this season proves that he’s finding lots of chances for himself, which are not necessarily big opportunities.

The Argentine’s low xG tally shows that he can make chances for himself for nothing, in comparison to Beto and Barry, who only seem to score or miss golden opportunities.

What has Castro’s manager said about him?

As it stands, Everton seem to still have interest in the forward, and were once again tipped to get his signature this summer back in March.

Bologna head coach Vincenzo Italiano is a big fan of Castro, admitting last year that he can develop into a top-class player.

Italiano said, as quoted by The Cult of Calcio: “He’s a boy who, given how he trains, his hunger, and the desire he puts into training, can really become a top player.

“He’s showing the qualities of a true center-forward, but he also adds great sacrifices for the team and often has the ability to make himself available for everyone. I’m convinced he has a bright future ahead of him.”

So it seems Everton have the been given the seal of approval from his manager, but it’s all about trying to get a deal that’s worth it.

Barry may have to leave on loan to make way for Castro, or even more dramatically, exit Hill Dickinson stadium for good.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.

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