Everton target Rafael Leao is now being linked with Aston Villa.
According to Spanish newspaper Super Deporte, Aston Villa are in the race to sign Lille forward Rafael Leao, alongside Everton and Valencia.
Villa have already splashed the cash on Brazilian striker Wesley, but they may still find some cash to bring in another attacking option for Dean Smith’s side.
Adding a versatile forward like Leao, who can play out wide or up front, may be ideal, but they would surely have to fork out a huge fee for the Portuguese youngster.
The 20-year-old hit eight goals for Lille last season, showcasing his huge potential, and it’s fair to say that Everton would be left kicking themselves if Villa snapped him up.
Everton first registered an interest in Leao back in March, with Marcel Brands and co picking him out as a potential target to bolster Marco Silva’s striking options, according to the Daily Mail.
In May, the Liverpool Echo stated that Leao was still on Brands’ radar, but they were looking at other targets too, seemingly feeling that he would be difficult to prise away from Lille.
Now though, almost four months on from Everton’s initial interest, newly-promoted Villa seemingly feel that they have a legitimate shot at signing the former Sporting talent.
Not moving earlier may come back to bite Everton, as whilst they’d usually back themselves to beat Villa, Smith and co may be prepared to show a little more eagerness than Everton have.
If Everton see Leao join Villa instead, they may well live to regret it, and speculation that Villa are eyeing a move should spark Brands and co into life with their own move for the youngster.
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