Manchester United are interested in signing 23-year-old AC Milan forward Rafael Leao who is on the radar of rivals Chelsea.
According to Pianeta Milan via Sport Witness, Manchester United are keen on signing Rafael Leao ahead of next season. The 23-year-old has been performing at a high level for Serie A club AC Milan in the past few seasons. His performances have impressed people at United and they are likely to push for him in the summer.
Leao who started off his career at the Sporting CP academy is amongst the best young attackers in world football. And, the amount of interest in his services is understandable. The 23-year-old joined AC Milan back in the summer of 2019 from LOSC Lille.
The Portugal international has featured in 148 games for Milan and has 67 goal involvements. He has found the back of the net on 36 occasions for the team in red and black. As far as the ongoing season is concerned, he has 19 goal contributions in 33 matches.
Despite his heroics for the club of late, it looks like he might be on his way out in the summer. Leao’s contract at the club ends in the summer of 2024. While the Italian club is desperate to pen down a new deal with the Portuguese forward, they haven’t found any success yet.
The contract extension talks have hit a standstill. And, clubs across Europe are aware of the situation. If Milan fail to pen a new deal with the forward, they might not have any option other than selling him ahead of next season. They would have to cash in on the 23-year-old or else they might lose out on him for free a year later.
Meanwhile, Manchester United are interested in signing the Portugal international. Erik ten Hag is in desperate need of a new forward. While he would prefer an out-and-out striker, adding Leao will also help his cause as the 23-year-old could form a deadly pair with Marcus Rashford.
Leao’s contract at AC Milan has a €150 million release clause. And, they would be willing to sell him for a fee close to that. United are ready to offload players to raise funds in order to strengthen their squad. And, they could use that to land the 23-year-old at the club.
However, they will face competition from rivals Chelsea who are also keen on having the Portugal international in their ranks. The Blues will be offloading quite a few players in the summer and have the finances to get the deal over the line. As a result, it will be interesting to which of the two Premier League clubs manages to land him if and when he decides to leave Milan.
