- Man Utd eye AC Milan’s Rafael Leao
- One of three Reds could be used in deal
- A new left winger is on the cards
Manchester United are reportedly considering using one of three players as a makeweight in a deal to sign Rafael Leao. The AC Milan forward is on the club’s radar ahead of the summer transfer window.
CaughtOffside reports that United are exploring a player-plus-cash deal to bring Leao to Old Trafford. Marcus Rashford, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee are named as potential options to try and tempt Milan to part with the Portuguese attacker.
A €175m release clause in Leao’s contract is extremely unlikely to be used and the Reds instead will look to negotiate a lower fee. That’s why they are also weighing up sending one of their players in the opposite direction.
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Man Utd ‘explore’ Leao player-plus-cash deal
United aren’t the only ones who have been linked with Leao in recent times. Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been touted as potential destinations for the 26-year-old.
Soon-to-be permanent head coach Michael Carrick looks likely to be backed with a new left winger and Leao is on the shortlist. He boasts plenty of experience and an exciting profile that the Old Trafford faithful will surely take a liking to.
Leao, dubbed ‘magic’ by Zlatan Ibrahimovic, has made 28 appearances in Serie A this season, posting nine goals and as many assists. His versatility allows him to also play as a centre-forward and that could hugely benefit the Red Devils.
Who makes way?
The prime candidate to be included in a deal for Leao would likely be Zirkzee. The Dutch forward has previously played in Italy and Milan might like the idea of bringing him to the San Siro.
Zirkzee has struggled since arriving at United, sitting on just two goals in 23 league games this season. He arrived at Old Trafford from Bologna in the summer of 2024 and it was at the Renato Dall’Ara Stadium where he caught the eye.
The 24-year-old fired Bologna to UEFA Champions League qualification before heading to the Premier League. He suits Italian football and Milan do seem keen on signing a striker amid links to Crystal Palace’s Jean-Philippe Mateta who failed a medical with the club in January.
Rashford seems hellbent on making his loan move permanent at Barcelona. The problem is the Spaniards are still reluctant to pay a £26m buy option.
Ugarte’s days at United are numbered and the Uruguayan midfielder seems to be up for sale. He could be desired by the Rossoneri although a new forward is probably their priority.
