Manchester United have reportedly been offered a fresh opportunity to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, but the club are prioritising a different target in Serie A.
San Siro Sayonara
After seven years at the San Siro, AC Milan are actively trying to sell Leao this summer for a variety of reasons.
Last season, there were reports in Italy of clashes between the Portugal international and the coaching staff, led by Massimiliano Allegri. While the 58-year-old tactician has since left to take charge of rivals SC Napoli, the Rossoneri remain intent on moving Leao on.
Former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has replaced Allegri, bringing with him his much-maligned 3-4-2-1 system — a formation which has no place for forwards in the mould of the 27-year-old, as Marcus Rashford found out.
Having missed out on Champions League qualification by a point, Milan want to bolster their budget with sales. With Leao entering the final two years of his contract, this summer is their last opportunity to secure a sizeable fee.
The Red Devils are one club to have been contacted as an option. Leao is understood to consider Old Trafford a ‘dream move’, having been a big fan of Cristiano Ronaldo growing up.
However, United have not progressed further beyond this initial interest, instead preferring to explore deals for other targets such as Crysencio Summerville. However, having lost out to Al-Hilal in the race for the West Ham wizard, a fresh opportunity at Leao has been offered.
Mendes is pushing
Leao’s representative, Portuguese superagent Jorge Mendes, is understood to have been shopping his client to a host of clubs around Europe, including Manchester United.
There has been strong interest from Turkish club Fenerbahce, while Aston Villa and Tottenham Hotspur have also made initial contact.
Tutto Mercato Web (as relayed by Sport Witness) claims United have been approached “in the past few hours” over Leao’s availability again. AC Milan are said to be asking for around £51 million.
However, the report states the Red Devils’ preferred target is Juventus winger Francisco Conceicao. A report relayed by The Peoples Person earlier today confirmed the interest in the 23-year-old Portugal international, with Michael Carrick believed to be driving the pursuit.
Tutto Mercato Web concludes that United are “very interested” in Conceicao, preferring him to his compatriot at the San Siro.
Final Thoughts: The Peoples Person Reliability Assessment
Overall credibility: 8/10
Why?
Manchester United’s interest in Leao has been backed up by multiple independent outlets.
The player is known to want a switch to Old Trafford, making it very likely Mendes would explore this option.
Being offered does not equate to a deal being in the works. 
No official confirmation of interest yet.
TPP view: We believe Rafael Leao has been offered to Manchester United, but there is no suggestion this is reciprocated beyond the club’s initial interest from earlier in the summer.
Featured images Marco Luzzani via Getty Images
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