Manchester City could strike a hammer blow in Leeds move, with £60m deal

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Manchester City are reportedly preparing a £60million move to sign AC Milan talent Rafael Leao this summer – but a move to lure Leao to The Etihad could strike a hammer blow in Leeds United’s chances of landing Charles De Ketelaere.

Leao, 23, has thrown himself onto City’s radar after producing 26 goal involvements in 42 games for Milan last season – as the Rossoneri secured the Scudetto. The Portugal international has entered the final two years of his contract.

Italian outlet CMW say that Manchester City are preparing a £60million move to land the versatile attacker. But it is what Milan will then do with that money, that could have an effect on Leeds in the coming weeks.

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That is because Milan will use the money they get from Leao – if Pep Guardiola does move – to sign two players. Along with Real Madrid’s Marco Asensio, Milan will go after Belgium international De Ketelaere according to CMW.

Manchester City preparing Leao move: Hammer blow for Leeds

Reports emerged this week that Leeds have now tabled an offer of £26million to sign De Ketelaere. A move to the Premier League will surely appeal to the Club Brugge wonderkid – but Milan might do, more so.

Milan have just won Serie A, and will surely be challenging for the title next season. Leeds finished 17th in the Premier League, surviving on the final day of the season. Milan obviously has it’s geographical lure over Yorkshire, too.

Leeds will also have to fight the fact Milan are in the Champions League next season. So, if Milan do rake in a £60million fee for Leao – CMW say they will spend slightly under half of that on De Ketelaere.

With Milan likely to be a much more tempting move for De Ketelaere this summer, Manchester City signing Leao gives the Italians the chance to splash the cash. Manchester City could end Leeds’ chances of signing De Ketelaere.