Manchester United are reportedly planning a move to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao this summer, according to Football Insider.
The Red Devils endured a turbulent season after parting ways with manager Ruben Amorim in January following a disappointing first half of the campaign.
Michael Carrick was appointed interim manager and guided United to a third-place Premier League finish, accumulating 71 points from 38 matches.
The club hierarchy rewarded Carrick by making him the permanent manager ahead of what promises to be a busy summer transfer window.
United are now targeting reinforcements on the left flank, with Leao emerging as a serious option for Carrick’s rebuilt squad.
AC Milan are willing to sell the 26-year-old for around £43m after the club failed to qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Leao’s contract situation adds urgency to any deal, as the Portuguese winger is set to enter the final two years of his current agreement with Milan.
The forward is naturally a left-winger but was also deployed as a second striker by Massimiliano Allegri during the season, making 13 goal contributions across all competitions.
Leao started just 25 matches across all competitions this season, with Allegri using him as a rotational option due to his inconsistency.
Matheus Cunha has served as United’s first-choice left-winger since arriving from Wolves last summer, with Patrick Dorgu operating as his deputy despite being a natural left-back.
Leao is not the only winger on Carrick’s wishlist, and several other clubs are also monitoring the talented Portuguese forward’s situation.
It remains to be seen whether United ultimately formalize their interest into a concrete offer before the transfer window closes.