Manchester United could be handed a significant transfer boost in their pursuit of Rafael Leao this summer, with AC Milan reportedly growing 'tired' of his lack of consistency. The Portuguese winger has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford ahead of the summer window.
Transfer fee and contract details
Reports suggest he could be available for around £52 million once the summer transfer window opens — a remarkable figure given his contract contains a £131m release clause. While strengthening central midfield remains United's primary concern, the club are also understood to be keen on recruiting a new left winger. Landing Leao could significantly bolster their attacking firepower ahead of a campaign that will feature Champions League football.
Leao's inconsistent season
The 26-year-old has scored 9 goals and laid on 3 assists in 27 Serie A appearances this season, but has failed to find the net in any of his last seven league outings. La Gazzetta dello Sport claim that AC Milan are 'tired' of waiting for him to find consistency. It's reported that he could be dropped to the bench for the weekend's clash against Atalanta, with Christian Pulisic and Santiago Gimenez now ahead of him in the pecking order.
Milan open to selling
Furthermore, AC Milan are said to be open to cashing in at the end of the season and will 'encourage' transfer offers from interested clubs. Leao's current deal runs until 2028. Earlier this month, reports emerging from Italy suggested that United would be prepared to offer Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Rashford to AC Milan as part of a potential swap arrangement for Leao. Zirkzee is already said to be on the verge of joining the Serie A outfit.
Rashford's future key
The Daily Mail reports that United's pursuit of Leao could hinge on the resolution of Rashford's future. The forward is currently on loan at Barcelona, who hold a £26m option to make the arrangement permanent. Yet there are suggestions that the Catalan club are unwilling to meet that asking price. Should Rashford return to United, both his wages and the absence of a transfer fee could place any move for a replacement winger on the back burner.
