Report: Everton now linked with Tete, though face competition from league champions

Everton are reportedly interested in signing 23-year-old Brazilian Tete, who is available as a free agent this summer.

The winger is also a target for Serie A champions Napoli, who see the versatile attacker as a potential replacement for Hirving Lozano, who they are keen to offload.

That is according to Calcio Mercato, who report that Everton became interested in the Brazilian after he terminated his contract with Ukrainian side Shakhtar Donetsk.

Tete spent the first half of last season on loan at French outfit Olympique Lyonnais where he recorded six goals and three assists in 17 Ligue 1 outings.

A January loan move to Leicester City saw the 23-year-old spend the second half of the season in the Premier League, though he managed just one goal in 13 games for the Foxes.

Tete could be worth a gamble at Everton as a free agent

Everton need to recruit heavily and well in attacking positions this summer, and Tete could be a cost-effective addition as a free agent.

However, just one goal in 13 appearances for Leicester City last season is hardly a return to boast about, and Everton must avoid the transfer window faux pas of years gone by.

Indeed, last summer saw the Toffees sell star player Richarlison to Spurs for £60m, with Brighton & Hove Albion’s Neal Maupay joining for £15m.

The Frenchman has since managed to score just one competitive goal in all competitions for Everton, in a 1-0 win over West Ham United last September.

However, whether Tete is an answer for Everton remains to be seen, though the Brazilian has scored 25 goals in 75 league outings during his time at Shakhtar.

With now less than two weeks until the Premier League season starts against Fulham, the need to bring in reinforcements is more urgent than ever.