According to recent reports, Everton are thought to be extremely interested in making a move for Portuguese centre-forward Rafael Leao this month.
The report by Calciomercato (via Sport Witness) claims that Everton are trying for the £25.2 million-rated 21-year-old, with the Italian outlet claiming that Carlo Ancelotti’s side have ‘€30 million (£26.7 million) ready’ to offer for the AC Milan striker.
However, the report continues by stating that Milan have informed Everton that this will not be enough to land the Portugal U21 international and that the Rossoneri’s valuation of the youngster is ‘much higher’.
The latter point is not difficult to believe, as Leao has been in rather remarkable form for Milan so far this season, scoring five goals and providing four assists over his 14 Serie A appearances for Stefano Pioli’s side, as well as averaging a WhoScored match rating of 7.11 – ranking him as the fifth-best performer in a side who currently occupy first place in the Italian top flight.
Furthermore, upon the player’s signing for Milan, Tiago Fernandes, a coach of Leao’s during the 21-year-old’s youth career at Sporting Lisbon, stated his belief that the striker is “good enough for any team in the world” and that he “has the talent to play for Real Madrid, Barcelona and all the best clubs in Europe.”
Would Leao be a good signing?
Yes
No
Transfer Tavern Take
With only Cenk Tosun, who has played just 43 minutes of Premier League football this season, as back up for Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the Everton team, it is unsurprising to hear that Ancelotti is looking for alternatives to provide him with greater depth up front.
However, it would appear that, unless the Toffees substantially increase the reported figure of €30 million (£26.7 million) that they are willing to spend on Leao, the Portuguese youngster will not be a player that Ancelotti is welcoming to the club in during what remains of the January transfer window.
In other Everton news, find out what transfer link has been lauded by Toffees fans here!
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