Transfer Talk: Red Devils join Chelsea in Leao race

Manchester United have joined Chelsea in the race for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.

The Portugal international, 23, has 18 months left on his current contract at the San Siro and has rejected the offer of a new five-year deal.

United are alert to the situation and are now ready to compete for Leao’s signature with Premier League rivals and long-term admirers Chelsea, according to the The Daily Star.

The Red Devils have had scouts watching the Serie A star in recent months, including during Milan’s back-to-back Champions League defeats against the Blues.

The Almada native is one of the finest talents in the Italian top flight, having netted four goals and provided five assists in nine league appearances so far this term.

He was also named Serie A’s Player of the Season in 2021-22, after bagging 11 goals to help the Rossoneri clinch the Scudetto.

Stefano Pioli’s men are reported to value their prized asset at a lofty £100million and hope United’s interest will spark a bidding war between the Premier League heavyweights.

With 11-cap international Leao set to play a starring role for Portugal at the World Cup, a strong performance in Qatar could see more suitors enter the race.

AC Milan could move for Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek, 26, in January, according to reports in Italy.

Spanish media say Real Madrid are not planning to make another move for Kylian Mbappe, 23, following his decision to remain at Paris Saint-Germain last summer.

Harry Kane, 29, is holding off entering contract talks with Tottenham as he waits to hear on the future of manager Antonio Conte, according to Football Insider.