Milan set £51-60m asking price for Leao as Tottenham's £80m Kroupi bid boosts United's hopes

AC Milan have reached an agreement with Rafael Leao’s representatives that the Portugal winger can depart the San Siro this summer for a fee of between £51m and £60m, according to Sky Sport Italia, handing Manchester United a clearer run at one of the transfer window’s most coveted forwards.

Leao, 27, publicly signalled his desire to leave Milan back in May, telling Sport TV: “I think I gave Milan everything I could give. It is a club that helped me grow a lot and supported me through difficult moments. I am happy to have left my mark on the club’s history. Everyone has their dreams, their challenges, the things they want, the goals they want to achieve. And I also want to take on a new challenge in a new league.”

The agreed fee would represent a healthy return on the £42.4m Milan paid Lille for Leao in 2019. While the Italian club would prefer a straight permanent sale, they are also open to a loan deal with an obligation to buy next summer.

United manager Michael Carrick is keen to reinforce his forward line ahead of the club’s return to the Champions League, and Leao has reportedly set his heart on a move to either the Premier League or La Liga, with United considered the most realistic destination. Turkish giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have submitted offers, but the winger is understood to have dismissed those approaches.

Tottenham had also been linked with Leao, but Roberto De Zerbi’s side are now said to be prioritising an ambitious £80m bid for Bournemouth forward Eli Junior Kroupi — a development that could significantly reduce competition for United should they formalise their interest.

Leao endured a difficult 2025/26 campaign at Milan, contributing 10 goals and three assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. The Rossoneri finished fifth in Serie A and missed out on Champions League qualification entirely. In mid-June, Milan appointed former Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim as their new manager.

A resolution to Leao’s future is expected once Portugal’s World Cup campaign concludes. Roberto Martinez’s side defeated Croatia 2-1 in the Round of 32 and face Spain on Monday.