‘Liverpool turn attention to big-money move for Rafael Leao’
Liverpool are the latest team to express an interest in signing AC Milan star Rafael Leao ahead of the summer transfer window.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that scouts have been keeping a close eye on the Portugal international.
The 26-year-old is a target for a number of Premier League clubs amid growing speculation that he could be set to leave Milan for “big money” this summer.
Brown told Football Insider on 18 May that Arsenal are interested in signing Leao and will make a move if Gabriel Martinelli is sold during the transfer window.
The Reds’ interest, meanwhile, comes amid ongoing speculation about the future of Luis Diaz as Arne Slot plans to strengthen his attacking options.
This comes after Brown told Football Insider in February that Liverpool want to sign a world-class forward if they can sell the likes of Diaz and Darwin Nunez this summer.
Liverpool eye Rafael Leao deal after Wirtz and Gordon latest
Brown told Football Insider that Liverpool want to sign a new winger even if they can complete a deal for Florian Wirtz, with Anthony Gordon at the top of their list.
The former scout, who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted Leao fits the profile Slot will be looking for to add to his attacking options.
“Rafael Leao is a name I’ve heard mentioned in connection with Liverpool,” he told Football Insider.
“He was very impressive in the Nations League game when Portugal beat Spain.
“In his good moments, he can explode past the full-back and cause real issues, and he can be lethal, there’s not many players like that.
“The question I would have is how often he does that and how consistent he is.
“There are parts of his game which are a bit scruffy and ragged, that’s something he needs to work on.
“But Liverpool will know that and their scouts have been watching him to make their minds up.
“He ticks a lot of boxes for Slot because he has got that explosive burst of pace and he’s very direct in his play, so he would fit in well there.
“We know he wants to add more attackers to his side, and he’s one on the list.
“Just watch this space, because he could make that move to Liverpool even if he costs them big money.”
Everton plot double deal to sign Joe Gomez and Ben Doak
Incoming transfers are not the only talking point at Anfield this summer amid growing speculation that a number of first-team players could be allowed to leave.
Brown told Football Insider on 9 June that Everton want both Joe Gomez and Ben Doak in what would be a sensational double deal for David Moyes’ side.
The last player to make the switch from the red side of Merseyside to the blue was Gary Ablett in 1992, but a new deal could now be on the cards.
Brown previously told Football Insider that Liverpool would be open to Doak joining Everton, with the rivalry unlikely to complicate the deal if the money was right.
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