Everton are reportedly eyeing up a potential swap deal involving Rafael Leao and James Rodriguez in the summer transfer window.

The Lowdown: Calvert-Lewin back-up needed

The Goodison Park faithful certainly need to sign a reliable back-up striker to Dominic Calvert-Lewin if they have any ambition of qualifying for European competition for next season.

The former Sheffield United ace was the the Merseyside club's top scorer over all competitions in the 2020/21 term with 21, and while Richarlison scored 13 (Transfermarkt), the Brazil international often plays on the wing to accommodate Calvert-Lewin.

Given that the futures of both Cenk Tosun and Moise Kean are uncertain as well, as they were both sent out on loan over the past year, the Blues really do need to think about signing a brand new centre-forward.

The Latest: Leao and Rodriguez swap?

As per Calciomercato, Jorge Mendes, who is the agent of both Leao and Rodriguez, is exploring the possibility of the two players swapping clubs, so that the former would come to the Toffees as the latter would go and join AC Milan.

Leao also likes the idea of moving to EFC, while Rodriguez has reportedly been linked with a move away.

The Verdict: Swap

While Rodriguez has had his fair share of good moments in an Everton shirt, he was constantly disrupted by various injury problems.

The 29-year-old has also caused controversy among fans and media, as he has not exactly been enthusiastic about staying at Goodison Park since the departure of Carlo Ancelotti to Real Madrid.

On the other hand, given Leao likes the idea of moving to the Merseyside club, it would be much better for them to keep happy players there.

The striker would also be a shrewd addition, as his added pace and willingness to run in behind would certainly offer the Toffees a different dimension in attack to that with Calvert-Lewin playing up top.

Leao has even been previously likened to both Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe in the past, which is high praise indeed, and a deal to see him arrive at the Blues and Rodriguez heading in the other direction would certainly make sense.

In other news, find out what transfer claim ahs been slammed by EFC supporters here!