AC MILAN striker Rafael Leao is high on Erik ten Hag’s hitlist for next summer.
Manchester United’s boss is already compiling a dossier on potential targets, including the 23-year-old Serie A star.
United had scouts at the San Siro on Tuesday night to watch Leao against Chelsea — as they did in the first Champions League meeting between the teams at Stamford Bridge earlier this month.
Portugal international Leao is gaining a growing band of admirers with two of United’s big rivals, Manchester City and Chelsea, both among them.
But ten Hag is a huge fan of the speedy left-footer, who can play down either flank as well through the middle.
Leao is in the final 18 months of his AC Milan contract and has so far rejected improved terms.
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The Italians are offering him a pay rise to around £110,000 a week to sign a new five-year deal. But Leao has given no indication of doing so.
That has raised United’s hopes that he could be up for grabs next summer, with a fee of around £60m being mentioned.
If Ten Hag did bring him to Old Trafford, it would raise further doubts about the long-term future of French striker Anthony Martial in particular.
And SunSport revealed last week that David Beckham’s Inter Miami are eyeing a sensational swoop for Cristiano Ronaldo in January.
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Meanwhile, Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw will be given another 12 months to prove they should be part of Dutchman Ten Hag’s renovation.
Both full-backs are in the final year of their contracts at United and will be free to speak to interested clubs on the continent in January.
Carrington insiders insist Dalot and Shaw want to stay and United’s option of 12-month extensions will ensure they do not lose them for nothing if they fail to convince the manager.
United are looking to build on Europa League wins over Omonia Nicosia and the victory against Everton when face off against Newcastle at OId Trafford this afternoon.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
