Chelsea have entered the race to sign AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.
Leao has for some time been widely linked with a move to Old Trafford as the Red Devils continue their search for a viable striker to come in and replace the departed Cristiano Ronaldo.
Alongside United, Real Madrid is another club that is said to be interested in January, although a report indicated that Los Merengues would not advance their interest in January, giving United a clear run at the player during the winter window.
It now seems that United have another suitor to worry about in the pursuit of Leao.
Italian publication Calciomercato reports that Armando Broja’s injury has forced Graham Potter to look towards the market for a solution.
Broja suffered a knee injury in Chelsea’s friendly against Aston Villa and it’s expected that he will likely be sidelined for a long time.
The London outfit have already added Molde’s David Datro Fofana to their ranks, but are intent on making another addition.
Calciomercato relays, “In addition to Fofana, another striker will also arrive, possibly a top one to put in Potter’s hands without delay. A discussion linked to Broja could also have opened up with the Rossoneri and there is always the Ziyech track being monitored.”
“Now the Blues’ attention has turned to the Portuguese [Leao]. Leao likes it, but the operation will be costly.”
“How expensive? Not less than 80 million euros at least. In England, they are not easily frightened by certain figures.”
Chelsea will be buoyed by the fact that contract extension talks between the 23-year-old and AC Milan have stalled.
There is still a significant gap between the salary proposal put forward by the Serie A champions and Leao’s expectations.
