Marcus Rashford could 'open the door' for Leeds to agree forward deal
Leeds United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Rafael Leao as Manchester United have cooled their interest.
The 27-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford for over 12 months, but with Michael Carrick eyeing other options, the door has opened for their rivals.
AC Milan are believed to have made the Portugal international available, and his name has been touted around a number of European clubs, including Leeds.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the Red Devils are no longer looking at Leao following the return of Marcus Rashford to the first-team fold.
Leeds, meanwhile, have not moved forward in pursuit of Leao due to concerns about wages and agent fees, but it appears the move has not been ruled out.
Daniel Farke is eyeing ambitious additions to his squad in the closing stages of the transfer window, and while other options are on his radar, this could be a significant coup.
Will Leeds make a move to sign Rafael Leao?
Brown told Football Insider on 17 August that Leeds have not ruled out making a move for Leao and are keeping a close eye on developments at AC Milan.
The Serie A outfit are looking to cash in on a number of big names in the closing stages of the transfer window, and the winger has been placed firmly on Farke's radar.
With rival clubs including Man United now having walked away from their pursuit, and Milan keen to sell, there is a chance Leao's price tag could become inviting for Leeds.
"Leeds are not the only club who have been linked with a move for Leao," Brown told Football Insider.
"There has been a lot of interest from him from a number of different clubs across Europe, but it was interesting to hear Leeds were having a look at him.
"Man United had a look before, he was very much on their radar as part of their plans to strengthen on the wing, but it looks like they've walked away from that now.
"Marcus Rashford is back at Man United and it looks like he's going to be part of Carrick's plans, so we'll see how well that goes.
"But that could open the door for Leeds to make a move, if Man United and maybe other teams have walked away, it gives them a better chance of getting a deal done."
How advanced was Man United's interest in Leao?
Leao has long been tipped for a move to the Premier League, with the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal also having shown an interest in prising him away from AC Milan.
News of his availability came as somewhat as a shock this summer, as did links with a move to Leeds following the level of interest shown by Man United.
Brown told Football Insider back in April that Man United had held talks with Leao's representatives after identifying him as one of their leading targets for the left-wing position.
Carrick had identified the position as a priority ahead of the summer window, but following Rashford's arrival, they are unlikely to do any major business there.
They have now opted to walk away from their pursuit of Leao, and are prioritising other positions, as they close in on the signing of another central midfielder.