Dwight Yorke has urged Manchester United to pursue a trade deal for Rafael Leao if Marcus Rashford is sent to AC Milan.
The outcast Rashford is said to have been made available for transfer after announcing in December that he was 'ready for a new challenge'. Ruben Amorim has since eliminated the player, who has not featured in any of United's last six Premier League games – apart from being an unused substitute against Newcastle – amid talk of an exit.
Rashford's side are said to have held talks with Milan. And United icon Yorke – a three-time winner in 1999 – has suggested a potential swap deal that could make sense for both parties.
“I'm not sure why AC Milan want Marcus Rashford as he is a left winger and they already have Rafael Leao,” he told Coin Casino. “These giant clubs, like AC Milan, don't bring in big players as team members; they bring in Rashford as a starter. Maybe Man United should bring in Rafael Leao in return, but he has to fit.” Ruben Amorim's system and results on the pitch.”
Like Amorim, Leao has a history with Sporting CP having come through the Portuguese giants' academy. And it's easy to see why the 37-man Portugal international would be an attractive target given he speaks the same language as the United boss.
The player also has that in common with new manager Sergio Conceicao, who took charge at San Siro in the new year. And the former Porto boss will do his utmost to ensure his compatriot stays in Milan for at least the rest of this season.
Leao is currently valued at £63 million according to Transfermarkt and has been arguably Milan's most valuable player for some time; only Theo Hernandez can match that status. Rumors have emerged in the past linking him with a possible departure, but Milan will have the final say on his departure as he has a contract until 2028 – and no release clause.
The 25-year-old has scored seven goals and seven assists in 25 appearances in all competitions this season. He is currently on pace to keep up with his scoring contributions in recent seasons, scoring an average of fifteen goals per season over the past three years.
Rashford boasts similar numbers going back three seasons, but that is largely skewed by the 30-goal campaign he enjoyed in 2022/2023. And United – who do not want to offload him to a Premier League rival this month – will hope their foreign suitors keep that campaign in mind as they look to offload a player who may no longer be happy at the club.
United are in additional need of left-wing reinforcements as Alejandro Garnacho has also been linked with a move away. The Argentina international is reportedly wanted by Napoli as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is on the verge of a long-awaited move to Paris Saint-Germain.
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