From Turkey - Galatasaray, new offer to AC Milan for Rafael Leao: €45 million plus bonuses

Rafael Leao's future could be decided in the coming hours. The Portuguese 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 players who could still leave. Galatasaray and Aston Villa are leading the race for him, with Tottenham in the background. According to Turkish journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu, today's latest development is a fresh proposal from Istanbul's yellow-and-red club, who have offered AC Milan €45 million plus bonuses for the former Lille player.

Waiting for AC Milan's yes

For now AC Milan are not confirming the offer, but talks are definitely under way. Galatasaray know AC Milan's stance, know the asking price is still €50 million and are trying to get closer to that figure by adding easily achievable bonuses to the deal. The Turkish club are hoping for a yes: with Leao there are no issues, there is already an agreement with the player on 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 has chosen Chelsea, the English club will in the next few hours also say goodbye to Watkins, who has said yes to Saudi Arabia (Simone Inzaghi's Al Hilal are in pole position). That means they have the money to move for Leao and play a leading role in the final stretch of the transfer window. Emery wants at least two attacking players: Crystal Palace's Mateta, Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson and the Portuguese himself are on his shortlist. But they cannot dither for too much longer, it is almost time to choose.