Links with Mateta are nothing new. In fact, towards the end of the window, the Rossoneri were very close to getting a deal for him over the line. However, in the end the Frenchman did not pass his medical because of concerns over the condition of his knee, forcing Milan to pull the plug.
Aston Villa, alongside European semi-finalists Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, are pushing to sign the Scottish teenager as a free agent. Multiple English clubs have already entered formal discussions with Rice's representatives, presenting detailed pathways designed to accelerate his transition into senior first-team football.
