Manchester United have reportedly listed AC Milan star Rafael Leao as one of their top targets for next summer’s transfer window.
Red Devils manager Erik ten Hag has already been identifying potential transfer targets for 2023 as he looks to make further changes to his playing squad.
Leao was scouted by United during his Champions League matches against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge and the San Siro earlier this month. Although, he did not find the net in his side’s 3-0 and 2-0 defeats.
The 23-year-old striker has attracted interest from some of the other top Premier League clubs, including champions Manchester City and Chelsea.
Blues manager Graham Potter even hailed the player before the match between his side and Milan at the San Siro.
In his press conference ahead of the game, Potter said: ‘The player you mentioned is part of that team. You can see his quality and what he brings.’
But Ten Hag is also a fan of Leao, who can play across the front three, and as he enters the last 18 months of his contract, a price of £60million has been touted, according to The Sun.
The report suggests that Milan have offered the striker a pay rise to £110,000 per week on a contract running for the next five years, but so far Leao has not indicated that he is going to sign the deal.
If Leao was to join United, it would place doubt on the futures of some of the club’s current forwards, such as Anthony Martial. The Frenchman has struggled for fitness this season despite doing well when he has featured.
The Milan forward could also help replace his compatriot Cristiano Ronaldo. The 37-year-old’s contract at Old Trafford expires at the end of this season, and he could be on his way out of the club as soon as January, with Inter Miami reportedly keen on a move for the veteran striker.
