Everton look set to rival Leeds United for the signature of New York City FC striker Valentin Castellanos. 

The lowdown

NYCFC are part of the City Football Group, but 'per sources', English champions Manchester City have declined to exercise their option to sign Castellanos.

The 23-year-old striker, valued at £10.8million by Transfermarkt, is under contract in the States until the end of 2025.

Everton may well need to bolster their no. 9 ranks this summer, with Cenk Tosun departing the club and Dominic Calvert-Lewin thought to be considering his future.

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The latest

90Min journalists Chris Smith and Graeme Bailey write that City have 'recommended him to a number of other EPL clubs'.

Leeds United are said to be the most interested club, and have representatives in the United States running the rule over Castellanos.

If Leeds are to sign him, though, 'they'll likely have to fend off interest' from Premier League rivals like Everton, West Ham and Newcastle United.

The verdict

Castellanos has been prolific in Major League Soccer.

He's made exactly 100 appearances in the league, scoring 44 goals and adding a further 19 assists.

He bagged 19 last season to win the Golden Boot and secure a spot in the MLS' Best XI, and he's carried that form in the 2022 campaign with 11 goals in 17.

It is a gamble to sign a player from the US, with Miguel Almiron, the league's most expensive export at £21.6million, derided as a 'flop' in some quarters.

But one journalist, James Nalton, felt that he was 'ready to make the step up' to Man. City, an immense show of faith, while another says a move to Europe would not be a 'surprise' for the 'truly remarkable' frontman.

In other news, Fabrizio Romano says Everton are in the race for this signing.