Rafael Leao: Man United have ‘spoken to his representatives’ as AC Milan deal now on
Rafael Leao has emerged as a leading target for Manchester United as they aim to strengthen their wide options in the summer transfer window.
The 26-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and is believed to be keen to take the step with an exit from AC Milan now on the cards.
While United are not the only club interested, their recruitment team have been keeping a close eye on his performances in Serie A this season.
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that the club have already spoken to Leao’s representatives to assess whether a deal would be possible.
Reports elsewhere have suggested Milan could accept a reasonable fee, although they remain in control with his contract set to run until 2028, as Man United step up their plans.
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VISIT THE TRANSFER HUBWhy do Man United want to sign Rafael Leao?
Football Insider previously revealed that Man United want to sign a left-winger and view the position as a priority alongside their pursuit of a new central midfielder.
A number of options are being considered for the position, but United’s recruitment team feel they want a ready-made star to come straight into the starting XI.
| Rafael Leao | 2025-26 Stats |
| Appearances | 28 |
| Starts | 23 |
| Minutes Played | 1829 |
| Goals | 10 |
| Assists | 3 |
Leao has emerged as an outstanding candidate on that basis and is very highly-rated at Old Trafford, with work already underway to do a deal.
“Man United want to sign a winger and they’ve been looking around,” Brown told Football Insider.
“There are a few names I’ve heard, a few different players the club have been looking at, and Rafael Leao is somebody who has been brought up.
“They want a star player who can come in and make a difference, that’s what they’re looking for.
“It’s something they want to do quickly if they can, so they’ve been speaking to the people that matter, his agent and other representatives, to see what it would take.
“Man United want to seal a deal before somebody else comes in and changes things.
“All of these things have got to be done, it’s how all of the top clubs operate, and if you want to go and get your top targets, that’s the way to do it.
“So if things go smoothly and positively, and they are given indications that AC Milan could do a deal, then I’m sure it will be something they look to get done.”
Who else is interested in signing Leao?
Man United are far from the only club interested in signing Leao, with a number of their Premier League rivals also in the race for his signature.
Football Insider revealed last summer that AC Milan were battling to keep Leao amid interest from Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool, and were eventually successful.
However, there is a now a growing feeling that all parties are prepared to move on in 2026, placing a number of clubs across Europe on high alert.
Premier League clubs are not the only ones interested in the Portugal international’s situation, with clubs across Europe ready to rival them for his signature.
However, a move to England could be the best option for him given the money on offer as he aims to make the step up from the Serie A.
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