Three Manchester United players are being considered as part of a swap deal that could be relevant as early as this summer.
Michael Carrick’s men appear to be well-positioned for a return to the Champions League next season. After the 2-1 win over Brentford on Monday night, the team is now 11 points ahead of sixth-placed Brighton with just four games left in the Premier League season.
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However, rumours are already swirling around United’s transfer plans, and the club is heavily linked with AC Milan winger Rafael Leao.
Recent reports from Calciomercato claim that United followed the Portuguese’s game against Juventus on Sunday night. In addition, Gazzetta dello Sport writes that United have already been in contact with agents regarding a possible summer transfer. At the same time, it is reported that AC Milan are interested in three United players – which could open up a swap.
According to reports, Milan admire the trio of Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Rashford – all of whom appear to be redundant in the United system.
Zirkzee has never taken off
Zirkzee played in Italy before joining United, scoring 14 goals in 58 appearances for Bologna. That earned him the transfer worth £36.5 million. But the Dutchman has never made it work at United – he has scored just nine goals in 71 appearances and never secured a regular place in the starting eleven.
Ugarte has also struggled
Ugarte has also struggled to adapt to United since arriving from Paris Saint-Germain in a £50 million deal – the first signing under the INEOS regime. The Red Devils are expected to lose big money on the Uruguayan.
Rashford on loan at Barcelona
Rashford is currently on loan at Barcelona, who have an option to buy him for £26 million. However, doubts have arisen about whether the transfer will be permanent, and it is claimed that he could be used as a pawn in a Leao trade.
Leao – sought after by several big clubs
Leao, who has previously been wanted by Manchester City, Arsenal and Chelsea, has nine goals and three assists in 26 league games this season. He is said to be worth around £43.3 million, but a swap could prove attractive to all parties.
United are keeping an eye on stoppers
A recent report from The Telegraph also notes that United are happy with their stopper options, but that they are keeping an eye on Micky van de Ven (Tottenham) and Murillo (Nottingham Forest) – in case they need a new left-footed centre-back in the summer.
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