Report: Everton given £34m valuation for Rafael Leao
Everton have reportedly been given a £34m price tag for striker Rafael Leao by AC Milan.
According to Italian publication Calciomercato, Milan have set their price for Leao, amid interest from Premier League sides like Wolves and Everton.
The Portuguese attacker hasn’t enjoyed the best of times since moving to the San Siro for a reported €35m (£30m) fee in the 2019 summer when he was likened to the Brazilian Ronaldo by former coach Tiago Fernandes. [AC Milan Info]
In his debut Serie A campaign, he scored only a paltry six goals from 31 appearances and has scored as many goals this season having played two games fewer.
With him netting only 12 times in two seasons, the Toffees expected to sign on the cheap, but per TEAMtalk, they have been surprised by Milan’s valuation and are now in serious doubts as to whether or not they want to pursue him in the summer.
The fallen Italian giants have enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence this season and will be looking to rebuild this summer.
The 21-year-old is not understood to be held in high regard by manager Stefano Piolo, who is willing to let go of him.
Cannot afford to overpay
For starters, signing a striker who will be the third choice is not a priority for us this summer.
Leao hasn’t exactly set the world alight in the Serie A, so it makes little sense paying that kind of money for a player still to prove himself with quality teammates in a big team.
Everton’s priorities are to reinforce their defensive options and also sign someone to provide legs in midfield.
Time and again this season Carlo Ancelotti’s men haven’t looked up to the task, and have squandered all hopes of finishing in the Europa League spots.
While the Italian is unlikely to be sacked in the summer, the jury is still out on him and for him to succeed, he will need to improve the first team rather than add to the depth in the attacking positions.
In other Everton news, ‘Lowest of the low’ – BBC pundit slams senior Everton man after loss v Sheff Utd
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