Rafael Leao won’t be leaving AC Milan for Man Utd before the World Cup, according to journalist Pietro Balzano Prota.
Posting on X, Balzano Prota said that the Red Devils have initiated “first contacts” with the Portuguese international’s representatives.
However, it is believed that Leao will be “waiting for the World Cup” before he makes any decision on his future.
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Milan are expected to offload the 26-year-old this summer after failing to qualify for the Champions League.
A fee between €50m (£43m) and €60m (£52m) will likely be needed if United do attempt to snap up Leao over the coming weeks. Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City have been mentioned as other potential suitors.
Leao is not the only wide player being pursued
While it appears that the winger is under consideration as Director of Football Jason Wilcox looks to strengthen the left flank, other names are also in the mix.
Both Wilcox and manager Michael Carrick are big fans of Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers. While the England international is not a natural wide man, he can play off the left.
A lot may hinge on the transfer budget. Rogers’ asking price will be £80m at a bare minimum, making him more expensive than Leao and other options such as Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye.
Man Utd are prioritising the midfield
Another factor that must be taken into account is Wilcox’s focus on signing more than one central midfielder. The Red Devils are set to pay £35m upfront for Atalanta’s Ederson, but another £100m+ could be shelled out on strengthening the middle of the park.
With that being the case, there may not be enough funds left over for players like Rogers or Leao. Wilcox is seemingly making plenty of moves early in the summer, though, which can only be a good thing.
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