Man Utd offer Zirkzee swap for ‘magical’ star valued at half of Rogers

Manchester United are reportedly floating an exchange deal involving Joshua Zirkzee and AC Milan star Rafael Leao.

The Premier League giants are keen to add a right-footed left-winger to their ranks next season. Their shortage of options for this role was exposed in Monday’s win over Brentford.

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With Matheus Cunha out with an injury, the left-footed Amad Diallo was shifted to the left side, but looked ‘uncomfortable and ‘out of sorts’ .

In recent days, Leao has emerged as a serious target for Man Utd , who reportedly scouted him during Sunday’s stalemate between Milan and Juventus at San Siro.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport , the Red Devils are indeed interested in the Portuguese forward, even though Morgan Rogers is their top target for the role.

As the Italian newspaper explains, Aston Villa are seeking at least €100 million (£86m) to part ways with the England international, while Leao is available for around €50 million (£43m), which could be a true bargain for a ‘magical’ player of his calibre .

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While Milan would prefer a cash-only operation, the source expects United to try to lower the cost by offering Zirkzee as a counterpart.

The Dutchman is a popular figure at Old Trafford, but he’s been reduced to a benchwarmer under Carrick, making a summer departure almost inevitable.

The former Bologna man has long been linked with a Serie A return, and the Rossoneri could consider him the right profile to complete a new-look attacking trident alongside Christian Pulisic and Alexander Sorloth, who is the club’s favourite target for the centre-forward role.

GdS also reveals the possibility of adding Marcus Rashford or Manuel Ugarte to the package, but Zirkzee remains the most plausible counterpart for Leao.

Over the past few years, Leao has cemented himself as one of the most decisive attackers in Serie A thanks to his explosive runs, astonishing dribbling skills, and unpredictable moves.

Although his demeanour has been his Achilles Heel, his talent might be worth the risk, especially if he’s available at an affordable price.

On the other hand, Zirkzee needs to leave Carrington sooner rather than later to try to revive his fading career after two underwhelming campaigns.

At the age of 24, the Netherlands international has already tested himself in various leagues, but his most successful stint remains his experience at Bologna. Therefore, he should relish the opportunity to play his football in Italy once more and get back on the right track, similar to his former MUFC teammate, Rasmus Hojlund, who found his haven at Napoli.

Milan would also acquire a direct replacement for Leao, as Zirkzee is capable of playing almost anywhere in the final third, something he has in common with the Portuguese international.

Nevertheless, swap deals can be complicated affairs due to the involvement of several parties with conflicting interests, so reaching a happy ending could be tricky.