Manchester United and Liverpool are said to be targeting a summer move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao, and Fabrizio Romano has revealed contact has been made over a summer move.
Man United and Liverpool both took a big step towards qualifying for next season's Champions League following crucial wins against Chelsea and Everton respectively last weekend.
Competing in Europe's elite club competition in 2026-27 will not only boost both clubs financially, but also improve the calibre of player they can attract to Old Trafford and Anfield in the summer.
The Red Devils could almost guarantee their spot in the Champions League with a win against Brentford at Old Trafford on Monday night, if other results also go their way.
Liverpool's place in the top five, which is enough for Champions League qualification, is not as guaranteed, but they are in a strong position ahead of hosting Crystal Palace at Anfield on Saturday.
Off the pitch, both United and Liverpool will already be working on how they can strengthen their squads so they improve next season.
Romano Issues Big Rafael Leao Update
Rafael Leao in action for AC Milan
Reports in England on Thursday suggested that both Manchester United and Liverpool are eyeing up a potential £60m summer move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
Now, on Friday morning, Romano has reacted to the rumours but has confirmed that there has been contact from at least two Premier League clubs for the Portugal international.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said:
"I can tell you that some Premier League clubs have made calls to understand the situation of Leao. How much is he worth? How much do AC Milan want? What is his salary situation? So several Premier League clubs, more than one, I can tell you, it's been two, let's say, from what I heard, two Premier League clubs are calling to understand the situation.
"We are not talking about official proposals. At the moment, we are not talking about official negotiations, but Premier League clubs have started making calls to understand the situation."
Rafael Leao Has Been Inconsistent in Recent Times
Rafael Leao in action for AC Milan
While there is no doubting the ability that Leao has at his feet, his consistency on the pitch has often proved to be frustrating for Milan and their fans, especially recently.
Unbelievably, the 26-year-old's goal at the San Siro in the 2-2 draw against Pisa in October was his first in the league at Milan's home for 17 months, which is madness for a player of his ability.
He has shown better form since then and has nine goals in 25 Serie A matches this term, as AC briefly threatened a genuine title bid.
The benefit for clubs like Manchester United and Liverpool is that Leao operates from the left-hand side, which is a position both clubs are looking at this summer, with other names like Morgan Rogers and Yan Diomande being mentioned.