£130m star ‘negotiating today over new deal’ amid Old Trafford links – GiveMeSport

Manchester United target Rafael Leao has been ‘in negotiations’ over a new AC Milan contract today and the release clause written into his current deal will need to be removed if the Old Trafford giants do not want to pay a record fee, according to transfer insider Dean Jones.

Paul Pogba is the most expensive acquisition in the Red Devils’ history, but that could change in the months ahead.

What’s the latest news involving Leao?

According to The Sun, Leao is high on Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag’s shortlist of targets ahead of next summer’s transfer window.

The report suggests the Red Devils sent scouts to watch the 11-cap Portugal international in action for AC Milan earlier this month and, amid additional interest from Manchester City and Chelsea, it is hoped a deal worth £60million could be struck.

It is understood that Leao has entered the final two years of his San Siro contract, which includes a release clause worth in the region of £130million.

However, AC Milan are looking to agree fresh terms and they were due to hold discussions with the winger’s father at the Ballon d’Or ceremony earlier this week.

The Serie A side are reportedly pushing to speed up contract negotiations with Leao amid fears Manchester United are plotting a move.

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What has Dean Jones said about Leao?

Jones understands that Leao and his representatives were due to hold talks with AC Milan over a new long-term agreement today.

The journalist is aware that the 23-year-old has a lucrative release clause included in his current deal, which Manchester United will be hoping is removed if he signs on the dotted line.

When asked for an update on Leao’s situation, Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “He is in negotiations today about a new contract.

“There is a clause in his current contract for about €150million so, unless that is removed, Milan will point to that as a transfer fee that you’ll have to pay to get him. That’s basically what Chelsea have been told in the past.”

Would Leao be a good signing for Manchester United?

Leao has made a hugely productive start to the campaign and is already into double figures for goal contributions.

Not only has he won plenty of silverware during the early stages of his career, but it could be argued that he would be an upgrade on some of ten Hag’s current options at Manchester United.

Statistics show Leao averages more goals, assists and shots on target per 90 minutes than Red Devils duo Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford.

With that being the case, ten Hag – who was appointed as the Red Devils’ chief following the climax of last season – should strengthen his interest in the AC Milan star.

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