Everton are now working on a potential transfer for Rodrigo with Sean Dyche keen to capitalise on Leeds United’s relegation by signing the Aston Villa target this summer.
That is according to TuttoMercatoWEB, which reports that Everton have identified Rodrigo as a firm transfer target. The Goodison Park outfit are also already putting plans in place to tempt the Spaniard into switching sides. They feel Rodrigo can serve as a gift for next term.
Everton produced one of the worst offensive records in the Premier League last season but avoided relegation by two points. Only Wolverhampton Wanderers scored fewer goals (31) than the Merseyside natives (34). Dwight McNeil was also their top goalscorer with seven.
Everton are already in advanced talks for Rodrigo’s transfer
Leeds found the back of the net 48 times through their 38 games for the Premier League’s 12th-best attacking unit. Yet despite Rodrigo also ending the campaign as their top scorer with 13 goals, the Elland Road team will be playing Championship football during 2023/24.
So, Everton have moved to target a transfer for Rodrigo and are already in advanced talks for the Leeds striker. The Toffees even hope to finalise the 32-year-old’s move to Goodison as early as next week. Blues chiefs are eager to resolve their operation as soon as possible.
Rodrigo is, perhaps, unlikely to stay at Leeds following their relegation. The Rio de Janeiro-born forward only has a year remaining on the £100k-a-week contract he signed upon the Whites’ £26m deal in August 2020. He also became their top earner after leaving Valencia.
Aston Villa are among a host of options for the Leeds striker
But Everton do not have a clear path to a transfer with Leeds for Rodrigo, who Leon Osman would happily see switch to Goodison. The Toffees hero told Premier League Productions (30/05/23, 15:55): “As an Everton fan, I would love to have him at Everton.”
CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs claimed earlier in June that Aston Villa are also interested in the transfer of Rodrigo from Leeds. Paris Saint-Germain have also taken a look at the 28-cap Spain international’s situation. While Brighton & Hove Albion are fans of Rodrigo, too.
So, Everton are seemingly right to strive to secure a transfer with Leeds for Rodrigo swiftly. The attacker started in 23 of his 31 appearances during the 2022/23 Premier League term.
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