Lille blocking Everton target’s departure could open the door for 21-year-old

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Lille will apparently block striker Rafael Leao from leaving the club this summer.

According to L’Equipe, the French outfit consider the 19-year-old starlet ‘untransferable’ which is a blow for Everton as they have been credited with an interest in the player (Liverpool Echo, March 2019).

Leao has enjoyed a fine maiden season in Ligue 1, making 25 appearances and scoring eight goals.

It is thought that Lille are bracing themselves to lose star man Nicolas Pepe to one of Europe’s elite this summer, and that is a factor in their decision to block a departure for the highly rated Leao.

The Toffees may be powerless to sign the Portuguese youth international, but one man who may see an opportunity in the situation is Henry Onyekuru.

TBR’s view

Onyekuru has been out on loan at Galatasaray this season and has done relatively well with the Turkish club.

In 39 appearances he has scored 14 goals and made two assists.

It’s a decent return from the Nigerian, who is yet to make a first-team appearance for his parent club.

Lille denying Leao a potential move to Goodison Park could mean he is finally handed a chance next season.

The Ronald Koeman signing arguably deserves a chance and could well be a welcome addition to Everton’s attack.