According to Calciomercato, Everton tried to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao over the summer, as did Wolves and Borussia Dortmund.
What’s the story?
Well, Leao – who started against Liverpool last night – was a wanted man during the transfer window.
Marseille were also keen, while Borussia Dortmund contacted the striker’s agent Jorge Mendes and also AC Milan Technical Director Paolo Maldini.
Eventually, Leao – who has been likened to Kylian Mbappe – remained at the San Siro, where he continues to learn from Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
Gianluca Di Marzio added that Leeds wanted the 22-year-old, so Everton face some strong competition should they go back in for his signature.
After impressing at Anfield yesterday, Everton were given a fantastic chance to scout him live, right on their doorstep.
Did Rafael Leao impress Everton last night?
In our view, there’s every chance that Leao made Everton even more interested after shining against Jürgen Klopp’s men last night.
The Portuguese forward has scored once in three Serie A outings this season, after notching 13 goal involvements last term.
Last night, he grabbed an assist against the Reds, and was AC Milan’s highest rated player on SofaScore with a 7.4 rating.
Leao still has plenty of potential to fulfil, and his goalscoring numbers can certainly improve, although there’s a real talent in there.
The AC Milan No.17 combines brute directness with his excellent pace to cause real trouble for defenders – his movement is also quite clever.
He also has an impressive defensive side to his game, which the industrious Rafa Benitez will surely be a fan of.
Leao made three tackles against Liverpool last night, as well as three clearances, while he was dribbled past just once.
If he can score to knock Liverpool out at the San Siro, he’ll surely be an Everton favourite even without Benitez signing him.
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