Man Utd have the chance to sign AC Milan winger Rafael Leao for a discounted price before the transfer window closes, according to reports in Italy.
The Gazzetta Dello Sport claim that the Portuguese international (who impressed for his country at the World Cup) was on the market for €50m (£43m) to €60m (£51m).
However, it is now believed that €40m (£34m) “will be enough” to secure Leao’s signature, with Milan keen to get him off the club’s books.
The 26-year-old does not fit into the plans of head coach Ruben Amorim, who likes to play with a narrow front three, which is not a good fit for his game.
Leao has already expressed interest in joining the club
When asked about a potential transfer to England back in May, the forward mentioned the Red Devils:
“Of course, I often look at the Premier League. I like Manchester United, especially for Cristiano Ronaldo, who is my idol, but also Arsenal are a team I follow on television.”
Leao subsequently made it clear that he was seeking a fresh challenge away from Milan, but he has yet to find a new home.
Man Utd have not shown any interest
TalkSPORT‘s Ben Jacobs reported last month that Michael Carrick’s side were among the Premier League clubs who had been “offered” Leao, along with Arsenal and Leeds. However, they have not made an approach for the Portuguese star.
There is believed to be a couple of reasons why the player has not been pursued. Firstly, the club would need to offload Marcus Rashford, which doesn’t seem likely, with the player now reintegrated into the first-team squad.
Secondly, Leao’s wage demands have scared off plenty of suitors, with Turkish sides Galatasaray and Fenerbahce the only teams said to be prepared to meet his salary expectations.