Manchester United will reportedly move for AC Milan's Rafael Leao next month if they are unsuccessful in their attempts to bring PSV Eindhoven's Cody Gakpo to the club.
The 20-time English champions recently terminated Cristiano Ronaldo's contract, with the Red Devils forced to act following a scathing interview from the 37-year-old on his employers.
Ronaldo's departure has left Man United head coach Erik ten Hag short of firepower, with Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial the only two recognised first-team options at centre-forward.
Martial has had his injury problems this season, meanwhile, and another spell on the sidelines would leave Rashford as the only attacker who is comfortable playing through the middle.
Man United have been heavily linked with Gakpo, who has been in impressive form for the Netherlands at the 2022 World Cup, scoring three times to help Louis van Gaal's side reach the quarter-finals.
© Reuters
The Red Devils were in talks over a deal for Gakpo over the summer but ultimately concentrated their efforts on bringing in Antony from Ajax.
A recent report claimed that PSV would be willing to sell the forward for £50m during the January transfer window, as they want to take advantage of his current standing in world football.
Gakpo was allegedly available for £25m over the summer, though, and it remains to be seen whether Man United would be prepared to pay double what the asking price was in the recent market.
According to The Mirror, if the 20-time English champions are unsuccessful in their attempts to bring in Gakpo, then they could switch their focus to Milan's Leao.
© Reuters
The 23-year-old is also currently at the World Cup in Qatar, scoring once in three appearances for Portugal to help them reach the last-16 stage of the competition.
Leao was also in strong form for Milan earlier this season, scoring seven goals and registering nine assists in 20 appearances in all competitions.
Chelsea were heavily linked with the attacker over the summer, and a recent report claimed that the Blues are still firmly in the hunt for his signature.
Leao made the move to Milan from Lille in August 2019, and he has represented the Italian side on 135 occasions in all competitions, contributing 34 goals and 30 assists in the process.
The Italian champions are in talks with Leao's representatives over a contract extension, with his current terms due to expire in little over 18 months.
Matt Law
