Rafael Leao's future will be decided in the coming hours. The Portugal forward has returned to training with the rest of the group ahead of Friday's home league match against Venezia, scheduled for 20:45, but he remains among the possible departures. Galatasaray and Aston Villa are leading the race for him, with Tottenham on the fringes. According to Turkish journalist and transfer market expert Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, today's new development is a fresh proposal from the yellow-reds of Istanbul, who have offered AC Milan €45 million plus bonuses for the former Lille player. Sky Sport report that a meeting between the parties took place today in an attempt to unlock the deal.
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From Turkey - Galatasaray, new offer to AC Milan for Rafael Leao: €45 million plus bonuses
Waiting for AC Milan's yes
For now, AC Milan are not confirming the offer, but talks are definitely under way. Galatasaray know Milan's stance and are aware the asking price remains €50 million, and are trying to get closer to that figure by including easily achievable bonuses in the deal. The Turkish club hope to get a yes in response: there are no issues with Leao, there is already an agreement with the player for a four-year contract worth €12 million per season.
Aston Villa in the running
What are Aston Villa doing? For now, they are still in the race. After losing Konsa, now an Arsenal defender, Tielemans, signed by Manchester United, and Rogers, who chose Chelsea, the English club will also say goodbye to Watkins in the next few hours after he said yes to Saudi Arabia (Simone Inzaghi's Al Hilal are in pole position). In other words, they have the money to move for Leao and play a leading role in the final stages of the transfer window. Emery wants at least two attacking players: Crystal Palace's Mateta, Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and the Portuguese himself are all on his list. But they cannot dither much longer, it is almost time to choose.
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