Man Utd information: Rafael Leao ‘thought of for swap deal’ as Red Devils miss out on monetary enhance
Manchester United are closing in on Champions League qualification while transfer rumours are already swirling, with three players reportedly linked to a potential swap deal for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao
Rafael Leao could be set for an Old Trafford move(Image: LightRocket via Getty Images)
Manchester United are edging closer to Champions League qualification as they aim to end the campaign strongly. Michael Carrick’s team occupy third spot in the Premier League, sitting 11 points ahead of sixth-placed Brighton.
They moved another step forward on Monday evening, emerging as 2-1 victors against Brentford. Strikes from Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko secured them crucial three points. Focus now shifts to the massive showdown with Liverpool at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.
Arne Slot’s outfit trail United by one position and three points in the standings, promising a fascinating battle. As we enter the crucial phase of the campaign, thoughts also begin turning to the summer transfer window and potential arrivals and departures…
Players considered for swap deal
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AC Milan will weigh up three United players as part of an exchange deal for Rafael Leao, according to Gazzetta dello Sport. The publication claims that United have already approached agents regarding a potential move for Leao this summer, reports the Mirror.
The Italian club are reportedly demanding around €50 million (£43.3m) but their interest in three United players could potentially pave the way for a swap arrangement. Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Rashford are all being discussed.
All three players are anticipated to depart Old Trafford this summer. Zirkzee has failed to make his mark since arriving from Bologna, while Rashford has spent the campaign on loan with Barcelona.
The Spanish club possess the option to make the transfer permanent for £26 million but appear increasingly unlikely to activate it. United could therefore be seeking a buyer in the summer. Utilising him as part of an exchange for Leao might be viewed as an ideal solution.
Financial boost sacrificed
United have surrendered a financial windfall from a friendly against RB Leipzig. Sky Germany report that as part of the arrangement between the two clubs over striker Benjamin Sesko, a friendly fixture must take place.
But rather than United profiting financially from the match, Leipzig will instead collect all of the proceeds. It’s reported that the game must be staged within the ‘next few years’.
United secured a deal for Sesko last summer, paying a fee of around £66.3million. However, Sky report that it is now set to climb to £74m with add-ons. It’s claimed that there will be around £3.5m in bonuses for things such as appearances, goals and Champions League qualification.
In his maiden campaign with the club, Sesko has found the net 11 times, across 31 outings in all competitions. He struck what proved to be the decisive goal in Monday night’s triumph over Brentford.
