Manchester United have made initial contact with Rafael Leao’s representatives to explore a potential transfer this summer.
The approach comes as United plan for the 2026-27 Premier League season under manager Michael Carrick, who was appointed permanently in May. The club’s third-place finish in 2025-26 secured Champions League football, giving Old Trafford officials greater resources and pulling power in the market.
Leao, 26, is a Portuguese international who plays as a left winger for AC Milan. He has 291 appearances, 80 goals and 65 assists for the Italian club since joining from Lille in 2019.
The Portugal forward is reportedly seeking a new challenge after Milan finished fifth in Serie A and missed Champions League qualification. Leao has publicly stated he wants to leave San Siro, and Milan are now open to a sale.
While his contract runs until June 2028 and includes a 175 million euro release clause, the club has lowered its asking price significantly. Reports place Milan’s valuation between 40 million and 60 million euros, roughly 34.6 million and 52 million pounds.
United are not alone in pursuing Leao. Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain have also been linked or contacted his entourage.
United are looking to add depth on the left flank to support Matheus Cunha, who joined from Wolverhampton Wanderers for 62.5 million pounds. No formal bid has been submitted, and Milan are open to offers as Leao enters the final two years of his deal.