Everton have checked on Lille striker Rafael Leao as they look to add two new forwards this summer.
The 19-year-old only joined Lille last summer as he forced a free transfer from Sporting Lisbon after fans invaded their training ground and assaulted players.
Manchester City had been tracking the Portugal Under 21 international after he broke into Sporting's first team but Leao took up an offer of regular football from Lille where he has impressed with seven goals this season.
Leao is fast and skilful, can play on the left wing or as a central striker and has drawn comparisons with Kylian Mbappe, though has been quick to play those down as he looks to cut his own niche in the game.
Lille want him to stay and he has four years left on contract but they are braced for offers for him and team-mate Nicolas Pepe.
Everton director of football Marcel Brands wants to recruit young talent and build a side that can move forward.
Doubts remain over the future of manager Marco Silva but Everton still want to recruit two strikers, full backs, a centre back, midfielder and back-up goalkeeper.
