Manchester United are among the sides reportedly interested in a move for Rafael Leao this summer despite growing controversy over the Milan star.
United are desperate to sign a left-winger during the upcoming transfer window and they are exploring multiple options, with top target Yan Diomande likely to command an intense race for his signature.
According to the Daily Mail, Leao is emerging as a target for United, Liverpool and Manchester City as well as Real Madrid after Milan opened the door to the 26-year-old’s sale.
Milan may be forced to make big sales this summer to balance their books after missing out on the Serie A title again and, with two years remaining on his contract, Leao could depart for a fee of £60 million (€69.2m.)
That price is viewed as ‘excellent value’ by many clubs for a player of Leao’s calibre and enquiries have been made by a number of sides who are hoping to secure a deal before the World Cup where his stock could rise with a strong tournament.
FootballTransfers has also been told that Arsenal maintain an interest in Leao after a strong season where the Portuguese international has netted nine goals and three assists in 25 Serie A appearances.
Leao interest emerges despite being named in Italian football scandal
Interest in Leao could become complicated by the Milan star being embroiled in the latest controversy surrounding Italian football whereby several Serie A stars were implicated in an investigation by authorities into a potential prostitution ring.
Leao posted a statement on social media denying his involvement in any wrongdoing and warned he would take legal action against anyone spreading ‘false news’ over the situation.
On an Instagram story, Leao wrote: “In recent days my name, like that of other footballers, has appeared on websites, social networks and newspapers in connection with an investigation by the Milan Prosecutor’s Office.
“I want to clarify directly that I am completely ‘foreign’ to the facts under investigation. I am not involved and have not committed any criminal offense.
“I invite everyone to avoid linking my name to this situation in an arbitrary or superficial way, without respect for the truth and privacy.
“Before we are footballers, we are people with families and reputations. For this reason, I have already tasked my lawyer to defend me at every instance against anyone who will continue to spread false news or that damages my reputation.”
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