Man United 'open talks' to sign Liverpool target as £87m 'serious option' might be open to Premier League move
Manchester United could look to secure another major new signing in 2026
After a turbulent start to life in the Old Trafford hotseat, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United side may have finally turned a corner after securing a third successive Premier League victory on Saturday.
Their latest win over Brighton & Hove Albion sent the Red Devils into the top four at the end of Saturday night, above arch-rivals Liverpool, whom they had beaten thanks to a late Harry Maguire header the weekend prior to secure a first victory at Anfield since 2016.
While it is still too soon to judge where this impressive run of form will leave United for the remainder of the season, fans will be given heart by the continued improvement shown by Amorim’s side as they aim to return to where they feel they belong.
The Red Devils may soon look to get one over on Liverpool off the pitch, too, as reports emerge that they are weighing up a move for a big-money Reds transfer target in 2026.
Man United considering move for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao
According to reports by Fichajes relayed by Football Talk, United are considering a stunning move for AC Milan and Portugal winger Rafael Leao and have ‘opened talks’ over a transfer for the 26-year-old.
Leao is a target for Liverpool and Manchester City, but it is United for whom the Portuguese is a ‘serious option’ according to the report. The Cityzens are also reportedly planning to submit a formal proposal for the winger, but he is not thought to be high on Arne Slot’s wish list at this moment in time. This could prove the Red Devils with the perfect opportunity to steal a march on their rivals and seal a deal, potentially as early as January.
Leao has been linked with moves to England’s top clubs for some years now, with Milan’s high asking price often thought to be a stumbling block. The Rossoneri maintain an £87million (€100m) price tag for their prize asset according to the report, but Leao ‘would be open’ to a Premier League move, which could prove to be a decisive factor.
Leao speaks on Premier League dream - ‘in the future’
Speaking to Gaffer in 2023, Leao reflected on his aspiration to play in the Premier League one day, also referencing on his budding music career which he works on during his time away from the pitch.
"I think every player wants to play in the Premier League because it’s a very competitive league. It has engaging football, great teams and a worldwide audience,” said Leao. "Serie A is currently very well positioned in the football world but I would definitely have to say the Premier League in the future."
He continued: "Football-wise, my goal is to win the Champions League and a Ballon d’Or. As an artist, I personally don’t think about it too much, I go with the flow. As an individual, I think about making my label one of the biggest household names in the music world."
It would certainly ruffle a few feathers if United were to make a January move for Leao, particularly after the huge amounts spent by the club on a new strike-force this summer. Primarily a left-winger, Leao has also played more centrally for Milan at times and could become a strong option to elevate the Red Devils’ forward line further. When any opportunity to take a transfer target from both of the club’s main rivals arrives, that is an added bonus.