Man Utd to rival Chelsea for AC Milan's Rafael Leao
Cameron Smith
- 16 Oct 2022 18:26 BST
- 3 min read
Manchester United are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan superstar Rafeal Leao as they look to bolster their forward line.
Erik ten Hag has sparked a recovery at Old Trafford over the past few weeks after a disappointing start to the 2022/23 campaign, but an additional forward remains on their wish list, according to reports.
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With Cristiano Ronaldo expressing his desire to leave during the 2022 summer transfer window and his contract set to expire next summer, the Red Devils will be one forward down if the Portuguese star decides against renewing his current deal.
Furthermore, Anthony Martial's latest injury woe highlights how the Frenchman can't be relied upon over the course of entire season, stressing the need to further improve the options available to Ten Hag in forward areas.
While Antony has been impressive on the right flank and Marcus Rashford has looked revitalised this campaign, Jadon Sancho still hasn't been able to replicate his Borussia Dortmund form, and Rashford remains fairly wasteful with chances.
As a result, Man Utd have turned to Milan's Leao, according to the Mirror.
Leao, 23, has been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea over recent months, with the Blues keen to add the Portuguese star to their ranks.
Leao even followed the likes of Reece James and Trevoh Chalobah on social media after Milan's loss to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League, fuelling rumours of a move to the West London club.
However, Man Utd scouts were present during both of Milan's Champions League games against Chelsea and it's believed that Ten Hag is personally a big fan of Leao.
The Portuguese star has just 18 months left to run on his current contract at San Siro, but Ten Hag has been told that a move would have to wait until next summer due to limited funds available in January.
Why do Man Utd want Leao?
With four goals and seven assists in 12 games in all competitions so far this this, Leao has started the 2022/23 season just as he ended the previous campaign.
Leao also won Serie A's 'Player of the Year' award last campaign after playing a crucial role in Milan's first Scudetto title in 11 years.
