Leao's agent has made extensive contact with several clubs, including Leeds United, according to Talksport journalist Ben Jacobs.

Leeds United unexpectedly received a transfer recommendation for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao this summer. Leao publicly expressed his desire for "a new challenge" in June and said he would be "very happy" if a Premier League club made an offer for him.

"Believe it or not, Leao was indeed offered to Leeds United, as well as to Manchester United and Arsenal," Jacobs said on the Talksport show "White and Jordan with Adam Catterall and Carlton Cole." "Given the scale of the deal, the salary, and the willingness of all parties, it seems unlikely that there will be any substantial progress at this time. My current expectation is that Leao may ultimately go to Turkey. But the fact is, Leao's agent did call several Premier League clubs, and Leeds United was one of them."

Turkish Super Lig giants Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have recently been linked with Leao. Leao has been with Milan since 2019, with two years remaining on his contract. During his time with the Rossoneri, he was named to the Serie A Team of the Season three times and won the Serie A Most Valuable Player award in the 2021/22 season, when Milan also won the league title.

Although Leao is naturally a winger, he mainly played as a left forward last season, contributing 9 goals and 3 assists in 31 appearances. However, with the club signing Gonçalo Ramos from Paris Saint-Germain for a record transfer fee, Leao is likely to return to the wing under new coach Paulo Fonseca.

Fonseca quickly reminded Leao after taking office that, despite the Portuguese international's desire for a new environment, he should not assume the grass is greener elsewhere. "I feel all the players are working well," Fonseca said. "Leao is lucky to play for a club like Milan, and he should be happy. I feel he is both happy and motivated."

While Leeds United may not have enough financial resources to complete a deal for Leao, Jacobs confirmed the club is still active in the transfer market. According to Jacobs, Leeds United has "monitored and made initial contact" with Marseille forward Dimitri Payet, though Aston Villa is also interested in him.

"Leeds United may also need to find a striker who can consistently score goals," Jacobs added. Chelsea forward Liam Delap might fit this requirement, as he could be sold just one year after joining Chelsea. Jacobs noted that Leeds United inquired about Delap last summer, but Chelsea signed him first. He added that no formal talks have begun between Leeds United and Delap this summer, while Everton and Newcastle are both monitoring the forward.

Leeds United has already signed Callum Wilson and is preparing to bring in goalkeeper James Trafford from Manchester City.

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