Manchester United are preparing an offer for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao, according to reports in Italy, setting up a potential transfer battle with Premier League rivals Liverpool. Calciomercato claims United have dispatched scouts to observe the Portuguese international and that their interest has become increasingly concrete in recent weeks. The report also notes that Barcelona retain an interest, but United are now seen as a serious contender for his signature.
This development comes after reports last week indicated Liverpool had made enquiries about a move for Leao in the summer of 2026. The reigning Premier League champions are said to view the 26-year-old as an attacking option, capable of playing on the left wing or centrally. AC Milan are reportedly willing to sell the player this summer for a fee in the region of £60 million.
Leao, who joined Milan from Lille in 2019, has been a key figure at the San Siro, contributing 80 goals and 56 assists in over 200 appearances for the club. His former teammate Zlatan Ibrahimovic described him as "magic" in an interview last October. His potential arrival in the Premier League would represent a significant coup for either suitor, adding a dynamic and proven goalscorer to their attacking ranks.
Meanwhile, a separate Liverpool transfer target appears to be moving out of reach. Despite reported interest from Anfield and speculation of a potential swap deal involving Alexis Mac Allister, Real Madrid midfielder Eduardo Camavinga has no intention of leaving the Spanish capital this summer. According to Marca, the 23-year-old French international is determined to fight for his place at the Bernabeu despite a challenging season, dealing a blow to Liverpool's reported midfield plans.
In a further update on Liverpool's wider transfer activity, journalist Fabrizio Romano has reported that the club remain keen on RB Leipzig winger Yan Diomande but face intense competition. Romano stated that Liverpool have been "calling" for the Ivorian and have scouts monitoring him, but Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich are also interested. Leipzig are attempting to extend Diomande's contract with a new release clause, leaving his immediate future uncertain.
The pursuit of Rafael Leao underscores the ongoing squad building at both Manchester United and Liverpool as they plan for the future. For Milan, a substantial fee for a key asset could fund a significant rebuild. Should United's interest materialize into a formal bid, it would signal a major statement of intent from the Old Trafford club in the transfer market.
