Widespread interest in Rafael Leão, from both Spain and England
Rafael Leão, widely regarded as one of the greatest players to come through Sporting’s acclaimed academy, is believed to be available for 40 million euros.
With that fee set for the 20-year old striker, clubs from some of the best leagues in the world are starting to take interest, and his next club currently looks likely to be in one of Spain or England.
He may have only arrived at Lille last summer, but the 20-year old had an impressive impact at the French club - and has already been dubbed the “Portuguese Mbappe” by parts of the media.
In total, he bagged 8 goals and 2 assists in 26 league appearances, a decent return in what was his first season at the club - and his first season as a first-team regular of a senior team.
Indeed, Rafael Leão demonstrated his pace, physicality and composure last season, the like of which is rarely seen in such a young striker, and had been linked with some of the biggest clubs across the continent.
Lille, however, are not overly keen to sell the talented forward, though are willing to see him depart if the offer is right - and his first season with the French club could also be the last.
It is believed that Lille are willing to accept an offer in the region of 35-40 million euros, a highly reasonable fee for what is essentially the most promising out-and-out striker Portugal currently have emerging from their ranks.
Everton are the English club that are currently leading the race to sign the young forward, although Valencia are also very keen on bringing in Leão, who is contracted to Lille until 2023.
He is believed to have two other suitors, though, with La Voix du Nord reporting that another English Premier League club -perhaps Aston Villa or Wolves - are also looking at bringing in the Portugal U19 international, while a Serie A outfit are also suggested to be keen.
In a day where 19-year old João Felix is sold for a monstrous 120 million euros, the prospect of being able to sign Leão for just a third of that price is difficult to comprehend, and to turn down - and clubs from across the continent could be set to take Lille up on their offer.
It would still prove excellent business for Lille though, who signed Leão for zero cost last summer after he unilaterally terminated his contract with Sporting.
