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Published Aug 26, 2026, 4:15 PM GMT+1
Dominic is a football journalist for Football FanCast, specialising in Premier League reporting, transfer analysis and the EFL. He graduated from the University of Huddersfield in 2022 with a first-class honours degree in Sports Journalism.
Since leaving university, Dominic has written for several leading football publications, including GiveMeSport, Football FanCast, The Transfer Tavern and Sports Mole, producing everything from transfer exclusives and breaking news to in-depth analysis and match coverage.
Dominic has previously worked in club media with FC Halifax Town, as well as for The Halifax Courier, where he interviewed figures including Pete Wild, Gary Johnson and Phil Parkinson. He has also interviewed the likes of Gus Poyet and Dean Saunders for Football FanCast.
His expertise lies in assessing the credibility of transfer stories, analysing what potential deals mean for clubs on and off the pitch and providing context behind football's biggest talking points. Through years of covering Sunderland and Newcastle United, Dominic has developed an extensive understanding of football in the North East, their recruitment strategies and the issues that matter most to supporters. His reporting is informed by established relationships across the football industry, providing valuable insight into the game's biggest stories.
A Tranmere Rovers supporter, Dominic has a particular passion for the EFL and enjoys covering every level of the English football pyramid.
Aston Villa have now opened talks with the agents of AC Milan star Rafael Leao, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.
NSWE are clearly aiming to make a statement signing in attack, with Ollie Watkins heading towards a move to Al-Hilal, and Leao certainly fits the bill, having received major plaudits from Zlatan Ibrahimovic last season.
"Of course, we expect magic, because Leao *is* magic. We’ll always talk about him, because he’s one of the best players in the world. I don’t say that for marketing reasons, but because I played football. I saw him as a kid, now he has two children, it’s a journey. People say he’s already 26, but I became mature at 28. And when we won the Scudetto, I can say he won it by himself.”
REUTERS/Pedro NunesIndeed, the winger played a major role in AC Milan lifting the Serie A title in the 2021-22 season, and he has remained a consistent source of goals and assists throughout his time with the Italian club.
|
Rafael Leao's attacking numbers |
League appearances |
Goal involvements |
|
2019-20 |
31 |
7 |
|
2020-21 |
30 |
12 |
|
2021-22 |
34 |
21 |
|
2022-23 |
35 |
25 |
|
2023-24 |
34 |
19 |
|
2024-25 |
34 |
18 |
|
2025-26 |
29 |
12 |
Although primarily a left-winger, the Portugal international is capable of playing through the middle, featuring as a centre-forward in 25 of his last 50 appearances, which suggests he could be brought in as a direct replacement for Watkins.
Encouragingly, a deal could be possible for just £42m too, which wouldn't break the bank for the Villa, considering they have raised plenty of money from selling the likes of Morgan Rogers, Ezri Konsa and Youri Tielemans this summer.
Aston Villa hold talks to sign Rafael Leao
REUTERS/Tim HeitmanFabrizio Romano has revealed that Aston Villa are now stepping up their pursuit of Leao, having entered negotiations with his representatives.
The transfer expert said: "For Rafael Leao, Aston Villa are calling the agent, Galatasaray are calling the agent. The situation of Rafael Leao remains absolutely one to watch from now until the end of the summer.
"So for sure, Rafael Leao is one to watch and for sure, also, two clubs like Galatasaray and Aston Villa are offering completely different conditions. On one side is Premier League football, on the other side Galatasaray are making a very good financial proposal, so the situation of Leao is going to be one to watch."
Seemingly, the AC Milan forward must choose between earning big money in Turkey or testing himself in the Premier League, after spending the majority of his career in Italy.
Aston Villa's current top earners are Boubacar Kamara and Emiliano Martinez, who rake in £150,000-a-week, whereas Victor Osimhen earns £308,000-a-week at Galatasaray.
As such, Unai Emery's side may not be able to compete with the Turkish giants when it comes to wages, but they will be hoping the allure of playing in the Premier League attracts Leao, who could be entering his prime years at 27-years-old.
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