Liverpool, Real Madrid keen on Rafael Leao

Liverpool and Real Madrid may have to make a concerted effort to sign Rafael Leao as they retain an interest in the AC Milan star.

According to Fichajes, Liverpool and Real Madrid are keen on Rafael Leao and could plot a move next summer. AC Milan have all the cards in their hands when it comes to their €150 million-rated Serie A winner and will demand a significant sum for their untouchable star.

Rafael Leao remains one of the formidable names in Serie A and potentially AC Milan’s most valuable asset in their current squad. Since January, the 24-year-old had come to the centre of speculation surrounding his future, and after a concerted effort from the Rossoneri, the Portuguese international penned a long-term deal.

Real Madrid were keen on making a summer approach, as were other teams from England and elsewhere. Chelsea had held an interest since Todd Boehly took over the club, but Milan have shown plenty of resilience and convincing power to keep the 24-year-old at San Siro.

Leao, whose new contract lasts until 2028, may have continued to attract interest from the very suitors that planned on summer bids. Manchester City are still keen, and so are the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid and even Liverpool.

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The Reds could lose Mohamed Salah in the near future as they might accept a big money offer from Saudi Arabia. Interstingly, Leao is not seen as a direct replacement for his profile. But from an attacking perspective, he could fill in for the Egyptian.

Real Madrid, on the other hand, are always on the lookout for top talents, and Leao has established himself in that bracket. The Spanish giants have an abundance of wide attackers at the club, but the 24-year-old could become their latest addition.

While these clubs are reportedly open to spending more than €100 million or even slightly more on the forward, AC Milan are not keen on a sale. Moreover, the story insists the Serie A giants could demand as much as €150 million as a bare minimum fee for the Portuguese international.

Now, it is up to those interested clubs like Liverpool or Real Madrid to decide whether to pay that much or not. Milan also have the protection of a reported release clause that some outlets insisted was close to €175 million. And if they intend on paying asking that price, then a move for the Serie A winner becomes all the more difficult.