Manchester United prepare three-player offer as Rafael Leao pursuit gathers pace

Manchester United are reportedly preparing a player-plus-cash approach in their pursuit of Rafael Leão, with three squad members identified as possible makeweights in a potential deal with AC Milan.

The Premier League club have made the Portuguese winger a priority target for the summer window as they look to strengthen their left-sided attack.

Interest in Leão has intensified amid growing uncertainty over his situation in Milan, where reports suggest his relationship with head coach Massimiliano Allegri has deteriorated significantly.

Italian publication La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that United are ready to explore creative negotiations in order to reduce the overall financial burden of a deal.

Rather than meeting AC Milan’s valuation in full cash, the club are considering including players as part of the package.

Midfielder Manuel Ugarte, forward Joshua Zirkzee, and winger Marcus Rashford have all been named as potential options that could be offered to the Italian side.

Each player is understood to be available under the right circumstances as United reshape their squad ahead of next season.

AC Milan had initially been firm in their stance, preferring a straight cash-only sale for Leão.

However, the emergence of a player-swap structure could shift their position, particularly if it strengthens their squad depth in key areas.

Leão, regarded as one of Serie A’s most dynamic attacking threats, remains central to Milan’s plans for now, but growing transfer interest from England has added uncertainty to his long-term future at the San Siro.