Premier League giants Manchester United are ready to battle it out with Paris Saint-Germain for the signing of AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Manchester United are interested in AC Milan winger Rafael Leao but are set to face competition from Paris Saint-Germain for his signature. The Portugal international has been in fine form for the Rossoneri this season who are on the cusp of winning the Serie A title.
Leao has been one of the driving forces behind Milan’s push for the league title this season, who need just a point to win the Serie A after 11 years. The Portuguese forward has scored 11 and assisted seven goals in the league and is their top scorer.
On the back of a solid season, the 22-year-old is naturally attracting interest from Europe’s biggest clubs with Manchester United and PSG both reportedly showing interest. But the winger won’t come cheap with the aforementioned report claiming Milan could ask for €100 million if they seal the league title.
This could put off Manchester United, who could be on a tight budget due to their failure of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. On the other hand, PSG are not expected to face any such issue. Les Parisiens need to sign a new forward to replace Kylian Mbappe, who is heading to Real Madrid on a free transfer at the end of the season.
As far as Manchester United are concerned, they are ready to begin a new era under manager Erik ten Hag. They are in the market for wide players with Ajax winger Antony also getting linked with a move to Old Trafford, along with Rafael Leao.
AC Milan, however, are trying to tie the Portuguese star to a longer contract with his current deal set to expire in 2024. With only two years remaining on his contract after the current season, the Serie A leaders could struggle to keep potential suitors away and keep Leao’s market price high.
The Italian giants have reportedly offered him €4.5 million in salary after tax. Milan could further improve their offer if the need arises, the Gazzetta report claims. Manchester City have also shown interest in Leao and it remains to be seen what the future holds for the exciting Portuguese talent.