What Rafael Leao has said about Premier League move as big Leeds bid lodged

Leeds United appear to have ramped up their search for a new forward by making a bid for AC Milan's Rafael Leao.

Leao was linked with a move to Leeds earlier this month, having also been a target during Marcelo Bielsa's days at Elland Road.

The Portugal international has been named in the Serie A Team of the Season three times in his seven years at San Siro.

He is a winger by trade but can also play as a centre-forward, meaning he ticks a couple of boxes for Leeds.

With two years to run on his Milan contract, there has been recent talk of an exit being on the cards to raise funds.

And it looks as though Leeds have now made their move for the 27-year-old.

What we know as Leeds and Aston Villa in for Rafael Leao

It was recently reported that Leeds, as well as Manchester United and Arsenal, were offered the chance to sign Leao this summer.

Milan want a fee of between £42.7million and £51.2m for Leao, who also has experience of playing for Sporting and Lille.

Now, it has been reported by Yakup Cinar that Leeds have stepped forward with an upfront bid of £42.7m, rising to £47m.

Fellow Premier League side Aston Villa are said to have matched that offer.

However, the transfer specialist - followed by Fabrizio Romano, Gianluca Di Marzio, Santi Aouna and others - added via X on Thursday that Leao's £8.6m annual salary seems too high.

That means even if Leeds have matched Milan's valuation, they will still need to negotiate personal terms with the versatile forward.

Rafael Leao recently responded to Premier League links

Leao is no stranger to being linked with a move to the Premier League, whether to Leeds or elsewhere.

Indeed, Leeds were credited with an interest when Bielsa was in charge in 2020.

Speaking prior to the World Cup, Leao admitted he would like a new challenge outside of Serie A.

He added that he believes the Premier League or LaLiga would now be more suited to his style of play.

“If a Premier League opportunity were to come along, I would be very happy," Leao went on to tell SportTV.

"I think that I can put my talent up against the players there, who are of a very high level.

"Playing in that kind of a league really gets the best out of a player. Let’s see what will happen this summer."

Leao would certainly be an exciting signing for Leeds, and the fact a bid has reportedly been lodged is obviously encouraging.

But whether or not it comes to anything, only time will tell.