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Rafael Leao could join Everton as part of AC Milan’s move for James Rodriguez, journalist Sandro Sabatini has told the Calciomercato Show.

The lowdown

Leao was directly involved in 12 goals (six goals, six assists) in 22 Serie A starts for Milan last season. He was predominantly used as a centre forward, but was also frequently deployed on the left flank (via WhoScored).

Milan’s willingness to part with him may be down to their abundance of options. The seven-time European Champions have Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Ante Rebic and Olivier Giroud at their disposal.

James only joined Everton ahead of the 2020/21 season but was left considering his future following the departure of Carlo Ancelotti.

Everton have made three signings so far this summer – recruiting Asmir Begovic, Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend – but only spent £1.8million.

The latest

Sabatini says James is keen on the transfer, but now ‘everything depends’ on Leao’s decision.

‘If he accepts’, Milan can greenlight the move for the former Bayern Munich and Real Madrid superstar.

Sabatini adds that ‘the whole situation’ is being orchestrated by Jorge Mendes, who represents both players.

The verdict

If Leao accepts the move, he would provide excellent cover and competition for Dominic Calvert-Lewin – and that’s an area Everton have to address this summer.

But it’s a big ‘if’. Leao may justifiably fear that his game-time will be limited as a mere deputy to the Englishman, and perhaps prefer a move to become a recognised number nine.

And while he is versatile enough to play out wide, Rafael Benitez apparently wants to use more traditional wingers who will direct plenty of crosses into Calvert-Lewin.

It’ll be down to Mendes to allay those fears if he’s intent on striking this deal.

In other news, Marcus Bent has tipped Everton cash in on this forward.

Reliable reporter Fabrizio Romano dropped a little under-the-radar update on Manchester City’s pursuit of Aston Villa captain Jack Grealish following England’s win over Germany on Tuesday evening.

And his post has a number of Aston Villa supporters talking on social media.

Grealish has been linked with a move to Manchester City for a number of months. The 25-year-old came off the bench and played a part in both goals at Wembley, setting up Harry Kane to seal a place in the quarter-finals.

Romano posted on Twitter following the win regarding a number of England players who have been linked with moves during the Euros.

One of those was Grealish, and Romano replied to a Villa fan after he shared a picture of a post from Villa reporter Ashley Preece, who suggested a new Villa Park deal for Grealish was ‘pending’.

The transfer expert claimed ‘nothing advanced and no official bid from City’, concluding it ‘won’t be easy for City with Aston Villa’.

Villa fans react

Romano, who has over three million Twitter followers, tends to get thousands of likes and interactions on his transfer posts. However, his reply to the Villa fan mentioned had a limited number of likes and interaction, seemingly flying under the radar with just 30 retweets.

Here’s what these Villa supporters had to say last night in response to Romano’s answer.

“Thats the stuff I love to hear! Ready to hear you announce Grealish’s contract to Aston Villa soon aswell.”Credit: @avfcIewis”Magnifique”Credit: @Pflipto”Preece mixing it with the big boys now”Credit: @jordstrangeAVFC”Villa want to win things, and have the money to compete. It’ll cost insane money to prize Grealish away. Especially considering his value just went up yet again.”Credit: @socraleese”After the Euros his value will have increased further still, and I don’t mean $. What he means to Villa is immeasurable.”Credit: @JayVtid”Villa don’t want to sell”Credit: @Davidomahony18

In other news: Villa interested in Man Utd defender, find out more here. 

Leicester City could announce their first signing of the summer over the coming days, with Lille midfielder Boubakary Soumare said to be on the verge of completing his transfer to the club.

What’s the story?

The Foxes have been heavily linked with the 22-year-old in recent weeks and are now reportedly confident that a deal has been agreed with both the player and club.

According to a major update from the Daily Mail, the King Power Stadium outfit are close to signing the midfielder and they are expected to pay a £23 million fee to secure Soumare’s services after seeing off competition from fellow Premier League sides Wolves and Everton.

Rodgers will be delighted

France’s surprise early exit from the Under-21 European Championship was expected to speed up proceedings and it seems that has been the case as Leicester’s lengthy pursuit looks to be finally drawing to a close.

Soumare was one of Lille’s standout performers last season as they shocked French football, dethroning Paris Saint-Germain as Ligue 1 champions and claiming their first top-flight title in 10 years.

With just one year remaining on Soumare’s contract and Les Dogues needing to sell some players in order to raise funds, Leicester have moved quickly as Brendan Rodgers plans another assault on the top four.

After progressing through the PSG youth academy in his early playing days, the 6 ft 1 powerhouse found his chances in the first-team limited at the Parc des Princes, hence him switching to Lille in 2017.

The highly-rated youngster found a new home in Lille, and the club’s former CEO Marc Ingla couldn’t hide his delight at the announcement of Soumare’s arrival.

“We are very happy with the signing of ‘Bouba’,” revealed Ingla.

“He is a powerful and technical player who can evolve to several positions in the field. His maturity pleased us even if we must not forget that he is only 18 years old.”

This latest revelation regarding Soumare’s potentially imminent arrival at the King Power Stadium will surely have Rodgers feeling delighted.

His addition will give Leicester a different option in the centre of the park and offer him some strength in depth as he attempts to get his team fight on multiple fronts.

It could be a significant signing as the Foxes attempt to return to Europe’s elite cup competition next season.

And, in other news…Imagine him & Tielemans: Leicester must sign £17m gem Rodgers dubbed “world-class” 

Former Southampton sporting director Les Reed has confirmed that Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans was once on the Saints’ radar and judging by his superb performances with Leicester City in recent seasons, it seems clear that it was a poor decision by the South Coast club not to pursue their interest in the Belgian any further.

Reed revealed in an exclusive interview with The Transfer Tavern that Tielemans was one of a number of current Leicester City players that was on Southampton’s transfer radar during his time with the club.

The Belgium international initially joined the Foxes on loan in January 2019 and after an impressive second half of the season, he joined Brendan Rodgers’ side in a club-record deal worth £40m.

In his time at the King Power Stadium, the 24-year-old has made 108 appearances, contributing 17 goals and 19 assists, which included a stunning effort in the FA Cup Final last season, whilst he has also established himself as a regular in Roberto Martinez’s Belgium side.

His performances have reportedly caught the eye of Liverpool and the Merseyside club could make an approach for the 24-year-old in the current summer transfer window, especially after they pipped Leicester City to a Champions League spot in the Premier League last season.

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Therefore, it seems clear that Southampton should have worked harder to bring in Tielemans back when they were interested in him, as he could have been an excellent player for the South Coast club.

You could certainly argue that Tielemans has been just as good as Saints captain James Ward-Prowse last season, as his 7.09 average rating from WhoScored in the Premier League was slightly better than the Englishman’s 7.07 average rating, and having two players of such quality in the middle of the park would have been brilliant for Southampton.

The Leicester City man would have been a superb signing by Southampton and fans should be frustrated that the club didn’t do more to bring him to St Mary’s back when they were interested in him.

And, in other news… Semmens signs Danjuma, no Djenepo: How Southampton could look next season

Aston Villa’s transfer priority remains a number 10, with Arsenal’s Emile Smith Rowe a top summer target, according to The Athletic’s Villa correspondent Gregg Evans.

And plenty of Villa fans have been sharing their thoughts on the news on social media.

According to Evans, Smith Rowe is the club’s top choice regarding a number 10, whereas there is no rush to sign a striker.

Recent reports abroad claimed that Villa were in advanced talks with Chelsea over a move for Tammy Abraham, however, Evans revealed the forward isn’t on the club’s radar, for now.

Villa have already brought in Emiliano Buendia in a club-record deal and re-signed Ashley Young on a free transfer, but it seems as if there is still plenty of work to be done.

Villa fans react

@villareport shared Evans’ claim on Twitter on Friday, highlighting the club’s number 10 priority and Smith Rowe as a top target.

These Villa fans weren’t so sure on Villa’s thinking, though, with one describing the update as ‘strange’.

“We have the best number 10 in the world and have glaring problems in 3 positions. What are they doing?”Credit: @DOUGLASLUlZ”Don’t see this happening so it being the priority is a bit concerning”Credit: @M10Packed”Isn’t jack our 10? Strange”Credit: @bbqguy21″Should be prioritising a dm”Credit: @OllyAVFC_”It’s never gonna happen, irdk why were so driven to get him”Credit: @escapeinpixels”We’re still going for this? I don’t think Arsenal want to sell lads”Credit: @Tom_Price_AVFC_

In other news: ‘Absolute madness’, ‘Leave us alone’ – Many AVFC fans erupt at ‘garbage’ transfer news, find out more here. 

Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Huesca defender Javi Galan this summer, as the Whites continue to look at new left-backs.

The Lowdown: Left-back search

Marcelo Bielsa will no doubt be eyeing up reinforcements all over the pitch in the next transfer window, but left-back looks a particularly pressing area.

Ezgjan Alioski still looks like he could leave and it is vital that the North Macedonian is replaced, with a lack of options there without him.

The likes of Romain Perraud and Nicolas Tagliafico are just two of the players who have been linked and now a new name has emerged.

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The Latest: Leeds keen on Galan

According to Football Insider, Leeds are interested in signing Huesca full-back Galan and have even made their initial approach already – he featured in 37 of his side’s La Liga games last season.

The 26-year-old is considered a cheaper option than Perraud, with his release clause thought to have dropped from £7million to £3.5million.

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The Verdict: Exciting dribbling machine

Galan could be an exciting addition for Leeds, particularly when it comes to his attacking quality from left-back.

Incredibly, Spaniard’s average of 3.3 dribbles per game in the league last season is more than Raphinha (1.9) and Jack Harrison (1.2) combined, highlighting his risk-taking ability on the ball.

Only one goal and two assists does suggest that a lack of end product could be a potential issue, but under Bielsa’s tutelage, perhaps Galan could go up a gear and add the quality in the final third to his obvious abilities on the ball.

In other news, a pundit has claimed that one player would love to join Leeds this summer. Find out who it is here.

Crystal Palace assistant manager Ray Lewington could remain at the club beyond the summer even if Roy Hodgson leaves, according to the Daily Mail.

The Lowdown: Hodgson set for exit

Hodgson’s deal at Selhurst Park just has a matter of weeks left to run, and it seems as if his days at the club are now numbered.

Reports in recent days have suggested that the Eagles are prepared to announce his departure earlier than expected in order to allow fans the chance to pay tribute to the manager at their final home game of the season against Arsenal.

Plenty of names have been linked with replacing the 73-year-old, including Frank Lampard, Sean Dyche, Chris Wilder, Steve Cooper and Valerien Ismael. However, it seems as if one member of Hodgson’s backroom staff could well stay at the club, even if the manager doesn’t.

The Latest: Lewington to remain?

The Daily Mail understand that Palace are exploring the possibility of keeping Lewington at Selhurst Park.

The Eagles feel that the 64-year-old, who has worked alongside Hodgson for around 15 years, could prove invaluable to a potential new manager due to his understanding of the current playing squad and the club as a whole.

The process for a new manager is thought to be accelerating rapidly, with the club aware that there will be a period of transition when the new boss takes over.

The Verdict: A smart move?

In most managerial cases, successors like to bring their own staff with them, so this latest report comes as a surprise. However, keeping hold of Lewington as an exception could be a smart move by the Eagles.

Maybe not for the long-term, but he could help a new manager settle into life in Croydon during his first season, sharing his knowledge on some players who look set to stay at the club.

A plethora of Palace players are out of contract in the summer, so it looks as if they’ll also be some serious change on the pitch as well as off it.

In other news: Many CPFC fans react to Christian Benteke update, find out more here. 

According to The Sun, Daniel Levy is desperate to hire Brendan Rodgers as the new Tottenham manager, with the Leicester City boss even said to have always been Spurs’ first choice.

The Lowdown: Spurs continue manager search

Jose Mourinho are without a permanent manager after Jose Mourinho was sacked last month – Ryan Mason remains in interim charge.

As such, Levy continues to explore all possible options ahead of next season, with countless names linked with the role in the last few weeks.

The Latest: Levy wants Rodgers

It is now being reported that Levy and Spurs are eager to appoint Rodgers, who has always been their preferred choice for the job.

They are hoping that a Tottenham win against the Foxes this weekend will convince Rodgers to make the move to the Tottenham Hotspur stadium, given that it would place both teams into the same European competition.

The Verdict: Aim high

Rodgers has done a fantastic job with Leicester. He led them to the first F.A Cup trophy in their history earlier this month as they beat Chelsea 1-0 in the final at Wembley, while they remain in with a chance of qualifying for the Champions League going in to the final day of the Premier League campaign.

He has won eight trophies throughout his career, with seven coming at Celtic in his previous job. He was also on the verge of winning the Premier League with Liverpool in 2014 – quite frankly, he has more than enough credentials to be given the Tottenham job. A Spurs victory this Sunday could be crucial in more ways than one.

In other news, Levy planned for Harry Kane’s departure months ago.

According to a report by TUTTOmercatoWEB, Tottenham Hotspur now want Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci and that interest can become ‘something more’ in the next few weeks.

The Lowdown: Spurs on the defensive chase…

The centre-back position has been touted as a main area for improvement this summer, with targets already being identified by Tottenham.

Indeed, as per Alasdair Gold, Nikola Milenkovic and Joachim Andersen are on the list, and there is also a belief that Merih Demiral is being eyed by Spurs.

Regardless of who they want to bring in, Tottenham will need to adopt a sell-to-buy policy this summer before any signings are made amid financial constraints.

The Latest: Spurs now want Bonucci…

As per TUTTOmercatoWEB, another defender has now entered the radar of Spurs and chairman Daniel Levy.

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Italian colossus Bonucci, who has been playing at the highest level for over a decade now, is still a regular for Juventus despite being 34 years old. Indeed he started 24 Serie A matches for the Old Lady last season and has now been called up to Italy’s 26-man Euro 2020 squad by Roberto Mancini.

As a result, Tottenham are now interested in Bonucci, and that could transform into ‘something more’ over these next few weeks.

The Verdict: Quick fix…

While Bonucci is a proven defender and could do wonders as part of a Tottenham backline, Levy and co should arguably be looking for a more long-term solution.

The £180,000-per-week powerhouse, standing at a lofty 1.9m (6 foot 3), has the physicality to impress in England, but the longevity is another matter entirely. At 34, Spurs could maybe hope for one or two more elite seasons from the defender before he inevitably declines.

The Lilywhites may have missed the boat for Bonucci but there is no doubt he would have been a sensational signing a few years ago. Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola, a known admirer of the 102-cap Italy legend, previously dubbed him an ‘exceptional player’ when speaking to the English press (Manchester Evening News).

Despite Bonucci’s vast experience and top-level success (nine Serie A titles), we believe Spurs should be looking elsewhere for defensive reinforcements this summer.

In other news: Telegraph journalist shares news with ‘superlative’ manager keen to join Spurs, find out more here.

Numerous fans of Manchester City have been reacting to a post on Twitter which relayed a claim made by Oliver Holt regarding the newly-formed European Super League (ESL).

In his post on Twitter, the journalist claimed that he is “hearing the first cracks may be beginning to appear” between the clubs of the highly controversial proposed tournament, with two unnamed English sides thought to be “close to losing their nerve” in pressing forward within the ESL.

This is likely to be down to the fact that the clubs who have signed up to the league are facing an enormous backlash from the footballing world, as well as a whole range of possible sanctions such as expulsion from their domestic leagues and their players being banned from participating at the European Championships and the World Cup.

After Holt’s claim was relayed by City Xtra, many fans of Manchester City flocked to have their say on the matter, with plenty hoping that Pep Guardiola’s side are among the two reportedly considering pulling out of the ESL proposals. Others simply begged City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak to make a U-turn on their commitment to the new league.

So, what did these Manchester City fans have to say in reaction to Oliver Holt’s European Super League update?

“Please City, please.”

@TomYates9816

“DO IT KHALDOON.”

@MCFCPio

“City please, come on.”

@cam9ii

“Manchester City are still alive here…”

@4Foden

“City and Chelsea please God, make this happen.”

@denys_17_

“I’m on my kneeeeeeeeeeees.”

@Jimbojunior3

“Leave Man City. Do the right thing and apologise and leave.”

@SuperbKDB

In other news: ‘This can’t be real’, ‘Disgusting’ – Many MCFC fans rage as ‘horrific’ Sam Wallace claim emerges – find out more here!