Rafael Leao: United willing to offer player plus cash to sign Milan superstar | OneFootball

Joshua Zirkzee has failed to make the most of what may have been his final opportunity to cement his place at Manchester United.

With the in-form Benjamin Sesko sidelined, Michael Carrick started Zirkzee against Sunderland. However, the Dutchman was substituted just after the hour mark after struggling to make an impact away from home.

Against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford, he was introduced late in the game. Zirkzee was handed several chances to get on the scoresheet, but could not add to his goal tally of two.

However, now, Zirkzee could help United bolster their frontline with a high-profile attacker.

AC Milan open to lowering their demands for Rafael Leao

According to CaughtOffside, AC Milan are more open to “creative offers” for Rafael Leao than they were previously.

Leao is still under contract until 2028 and has a huge €175 million release clause (£152.2m). However, the electric winger is facing an uncertain future at San Siro after a difficult campaign, during which he was jeered off by his own fans.

Eager to resolve the situation, Milan would reportedly negotiate far below that figure if the right proposal arrives.

The report states: “Leão is exactly the kind of player who gets big clubs excited. He is quick, powerful, stylish on the ball and capable of doing things that most wide forwards simply cannot. When he is confident, he can carry the ball from deep, beat defenders in isolation and completely change the mood of a match.”

As such, his availability has alerted Europe’s biggest clubs, including United.

Manchester United ready for player-plus-cash deal

United need more “explosion in attack” and there is a feeling that they require “a truly dominant left-sided threat” who can scare defenders every week. In that regard, the Portugal international makes perfect sense.

It is claimed United are exploring a player-plus-cash deal and could offer players such as Marcus Rashford, Joshua Zirkzee or Manuel Ugarte to lower the fee for Leao.

Rafael Leao Stats: 2025/26 Season

Milan could allegedly open talks from around €50m if a strong player is included. Zirkzee is thought to be one of the names who could “become relevant”.

Before moving to United, Zirkzee was regarded as one of Serie A’s most promising players, thanks to his prolific stint at Bologna.

Featured images Marco Luzzani via Getty Images

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