Manchester United on transfer red alert as Rafael Leao makes 'favourite' claim

AC Milan forward Rafael Leao in Serie A action.

Manchester United are eyeing a summer move for Rafael Leao as part of a summer squad overhaul.

AC Milan winger Leao is being tracked by United as part of an ambitious transfer plan at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils secured UEFA Champions League qualification on the back of a strong end to the 2025/26 Premier League campaign with Michael Carrick now confirmed as the club's permanent head coach.

The stability brought by Carrick has boosted fan confidence of the team being able to challenge for major honours next season and the United hierarchy will give the former midfielder a sizeable transfer budge to work with.

Despite the form of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, Carrick is rumoured to be looking at fresh options to boost his attack, and Leao could fit his brief.

Leao was linked with a switch to Barcelona last summer, as part of Hansi Flick's Plan B after failing to land Nico Williams, but the La Liga champions eventually agreed a deal with United to take Marcus Rashford on loan.

Reports from Football Insider indicate AC Milan are ready to slash their asking price for Leao, after failing to land a Champions League spot, and Carrick could make an opening offer in the region of €40 million (334.5m) for the 26-year-old.

United are keen to avoid a bidding war for the former Lille star, who only managed 10 goals last season, but the player himself could be tempted by a move to Manchester based on previous comments.

"I like (Manchester) United because my idol is Cristiano Ronaldo, so in the past, I used to watch them. I like Arsenal also."