Manchester United have yet to confirm their first signing of the summer transfer window, but progress has been made on two fronts: a transfer agreement for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao and a new contract for goalkeeper Dermot Mee.
Rafael Leao Transfer Agreement
According to Sky Sport Italia, AC Milan have given the green light for Rafael Leao to leave the club if they receive a bid in the region of £51-60 million. The 27-year-old, currently playing for Portugal at the World Cup, has expressed his desire to leave Milan this summer and has been identified as a target by Manchester United.
A deal at the reported fee would allow Milan to turn a profit on the £42.4 million they paid Lille to sign Leao in 2019. The player told Sport TV: "I think I gave Milan everything I could give. It is a club that helped me grow a lot and supported me through difficult moments. I am happy to have left my mark on the club's history. Everyone has their dreams, their challenges, the things they want, the goals they want to achieve. And I also want to take on a new challenge in a new league."
Sky Sport Italia reports that Milan would be willing to sanction a loan move with an obligation to buy next summer, though they would prefer a permanent transfer. Manchester United are expected to strengthen their attack and midfield, with Atalanta's Ederson also a target for around £35 million, though that deal awaits the end of Brazil's World Cup campaign.
Dermot Mee Signs New Contract
Goalkeeper Dermot Mee has agreed a new two-year contract to extend his stay at Old Trafford. The 23-year-old's previous deal expired this week, but he was retained after being offered improved terms. Mee has yet to feature for United's first team but has made 27 appearances for the Under-21s and gained senior experience on loan at Altrincham in the National League, as well as spells at Trafford, Runcorn Linnets, and Witton Albion.
United's statement confirmed: "The academy graduate will continue to provide excellent support and competition for the goalkeeper group. The Birmingham-born stopper, who has represented Northern Ireland at youth level, has played a key role in first-team training in recent years, whilst representing United's Under-21s side in competitive fixtures. The impressive 23-year-old is continuing to develop with this latest contract renewal a further reward for his contributions. Everyone at the club would like to congratulate Dermot on his new deal."
Midfield Reinforcements Expected
With Casemiro's departure and Manuel Ugarte's long-term injury, Manchester United are expected to sign at least one central midfielder, possibly two, to bolster head coach Michael Carrick's options. Carrick, who signed a two-year contract as head coach, is awaiting his first arrival. The club's transfer activity is anticipated to accelerate after the World Cup.
