Everton have reportedly been offered the chance to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, with the Toffees showing interest in securing his services.
According to a report from Corriere dello Sport, as relayed by Sport Witness, Everton are interested in signing AC Milan’s Portuguese attacker Rafael Leao, who has been offered to the Merseysiders by super-agent Jorge Mendes.
Leao, a product of the Sporting CP youth academy, exploded onto the scenes during his time with Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille. The 22-year-old spent a year with Les Dogues scoring eight goals and setting up two more in 26 games, prompting AC Milan to invest in him during the summer transfer window of 2019.
Since arriving in Lombardy, Leao has shown signs of promise but has lacked the element of consistency in his game, which has prevented him from becoming a key player for the Rossoneri. The Portuguese forward, who can play anywhere across the frontline, has made 73 appearances so far for Milan, scoring 13 goals and assisting nine.
AC Milan have strengthened their attack with the signing of Olivier Giroud this summer and are looking to get rid of some deadwood from the squad. While offloading Leao is not a priority for Stefano Pioli & co., they would not be averse to selling him should their demands be met, and the forward’s agent, Jorge Mendes, has been offering the 22-year-old to clubs across Europe.
And, it seems like Leao has found himself suitors in England, in the form of Everton. The Toffees are in a precarious position with regard to their frontline as key man Richarlison is being courted by top clubs in Spain while Theo Walcott and Bernard have departed the club, whereas Alex Iwobi has largely underwhelmed in Merseyside.
Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have been brought in by new manager Rafael Benitez, but the team could do with more flair and direct threat in attack, making someone like Leao a viable transfer target. Apart from Everton, fellow Premier League club Wolves have also shown an interest in the Portugal Under-21 international.
AC Milan, as per the report, would only entertain offers of at least €25 million. Whether Everton are willing to match that figure or they decide to look at alternatives to bolster their attacking options remains to be seen.
