£130m star ‘in contract talks right now’ amid Old Trafford links

Manchester United target Rafael Leao is holding contract talks with AC Milan ‘right now’ but the possibility of a move to Old Trafford will be ‘in the back of his mind’, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Red Devils spent close to £220million during the summer transfer window, but boss Erik ten Hag will be presented with another opportunity to bolster his squad in January.

What’s the latest news involving Leao?

According to The Sun, Manchester United chief ten Hag is already making plans for 2023 and AC Milan star Leao is high on his shortlist of targets.

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

While that figure falls some way short of the £130million release clause written into Leao’s contract, that might not be a stumbling block for much longer.

That is because it is understood that AC Milan are looking to agree fresh terms, which could involve the lucrative clause being removed, and they were due to hold discussions with the winger’s father at the Ballon d’Or ceremony earlier this week.

Manchester United’s interest in Leao has reportedly resulted in the Italian giants pushing to speed up contract negotiations.

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What has Dean Jones said about Leao?

Jones believes AC Milan are locked in talks with Leao over a new contract and a decision will need to be made over his future imminently.

While that could prove costly in Manchester United’s pursuit, the transfer insider feels the Red Devils’ interest will have also come to the 23-year-old’s attention and he will leave his current employers in the not-too-distant future.

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “It does feel like it’s decision time for Leao. There are conversations happening right now about that new deal.

“But, obviously, the thoughts around the transfer will be in the back of his mind because of the sort of form he has been in and the attention he’s been getting. He is a great player and, at some point, he will leave.”

How has Leao performed so far this season?

Leao has made a productive start to the campaign, registering four goals and eight assists in 13 appearances.

Statistics show the attacker has found the back of the net every 181 minutes in Serie A and averages 3.9 shots per game.

Leao also boasts more eye-catching figures than Manchester United duo Jadon Sancho and Marcus Rashford, averaging more goals, assists and shots on target per 90 minutes since the season got underway.

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