MX23RW : Thursday, November 21 11:43:34| >> :60:193:193:

Manchester United 'set sights on £124m Portugal international striker'

Man Utd 'set sights on £124m Portugal international striker'
© Reuters
AC Milan forward Rafael Leao is a £124m summer transfer target for Manchester United, according to a report.

Manchester United are reportedly preparing to push ahead with a big-money move for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao during this summer's transfer window.

The Red Devils will bring in at least one attacker in the upcoming market, with Anthony Martial and Jadon Sancho both expected to move on at the end of the 2023-24 campaign.

Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri could also be made surplus to requirements, while there remains speculation surrounding the futures of both Antony and Marcus Rashford, although it is unlikely that either will depart Old Trafford during the summer window.

According to Fichajes, Leao has been identified by the 20-time English champions as a leading target, and the club could battle Premier League rivals Arsenal for the 24-year-old's signature.

The report claims that Milan value the Portugal international at €145m (£124m), with the Red Devils therefore facing the prospect of having to break their transfer record to bring him in.

AC Milan's Rafael Leao celebrates scoring their first goal on November 7, 2023© Reuters

Milan allegedly value Leao at €145m (£124m)

Leao started his professional career at Sporting Lisbon in 2017, but he only made five appearances for the Portuguese giants before moving to Lille in 2018.

The forward scored eight goals and registered two assists in 26 outings for the French outfit during the 2018-19 campaign ahead of a switch to Milan in August 2019.

The Portuguese has scored 55 goals and registered 48 assists in 201 appearances for his Italian side in all competitions, including 44 goals and 37 assists in 157 Serie A matches.

Leao has again been in impressive form for Milan this season, scoring 12 goals and registering 12 assists in 38 appearances in all competitions.

The attacker signed a new contract at San Siro last June, with his existing terms running until June 2028, but Man United are allegedly determined to bring him to the Premier League.

Ineos chairman Jim Ratcliffe on March 17, 2023© Reuters

Which other positions will Man United prioritise this summer?

The upcoming transfer window is expected to be busy for Man United, even if the club are unable to secure Champions League football for the 2024-25 campaign.

At least one new centre-back will be required this summer, with Raphael Varane and Jonny Evans both out of contract, while there remains uncertainty surrounding the futures of Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof.

A right-back will also arrive if Aaron Wan-Bissaka is allowed to depart, while midfielders Casemiro and Christian Eriksen may leave this summer, which would open up space to bring in a new player in that area of the field.

Sofyan Amrabat's loan deal from Fiorentina is unlikely to be made permanent, while Omari Forson only has a deal until the end of the season, so it could be a summer of huge change in every area of the field.

The spine of the team undoubtedly needs strengthening if the club are to enjoy a more successful 2024-25 campaign, but it remains to be seen whether Erik ten Hag keeps his job as head coach, with the Dutchman under huge pressure.

ID:541126:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect6323:

Rafael Leao future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Anthony Martial

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford on December 26, 2023
Read Next:
Man Utd forward not seen in training ahead of Bournemouth clash
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool119112161528
2Manchester CityMan City117222213923
3Chelsea115422113819
4Arsenal115421812619
5Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest115421510519
6Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton115421915419
7Fulham115331613318
8Newcastle UnitedNewcastle115331311218
9Aston Villa115331717018
10Tottenham HotspurSpurs1151523131016
11Brentford115152222016
12Bournemouth114341515015
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd114341212015
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham113351319-612
15Leicester CityLeicester112451421-710
16Everton112451017-710
17Ipswich TownIpswich111551222-108
18Crystal Palace11146815-77
19Wolverhampton WanderersWolves111371627-116
20Southampton11119721-144


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!