Wilcox in talks to sign £60m winger for Man Utd

Manchester United are among the most decorated clubs in world football, but since Sir Alex Ferguson retired 13 years ago, they have failed to win either of the biggest prizes on show.

Whisper it very, very quietly, but the Red Devils are inching toward that long-lost territory under Michael Carrick‘s management, certainly showing since the much-maligned Ruben Amorim’s dismissal in January that they have the quality to throw down with the best of them in the Premier League.

They might have come on leaps and bounds, but Old Trafford has seen false dawns before, and a lack of progress thus far in the transfer market will heighten fears that United’s journey with Carrick could be scuppered before the season starts.

Of course, Ederson is already on the way, and INEOS have their sights set on a few new forwards to bolster this title-challenging squad.

Man United in talks to sign new forward

Could Manchester United challenge for silverware in the Premier League and Champions League next season? That surely has to be the objective, especially if Jason Wilcox and his team of suits pull off the right moves this summer.

United need a midfielder or two, but they also need more firepower in attack. Recent exploratory talks with West Ham over a move for Crysencio Summerville emphasise where the Old Trafford side’s focus currently lies.

Summerville is Prem-proven and surely attainable now that the Hammers have fallen into the Championship. However, he only scored five goals last season, and whether he would pack a strong enough punch for thia United side remains to be seen.

As per TEAMtalk, Rafael Leao is very much on Manchester United’s radar this summer, with INEOS hoping to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the Portuguese winger.

United have been approached by his agent, Jorge Mendes, looking to find a new club for the 27-year-old, who is determined to change scenery this summer. It won’t be easy, but this is definitely a manageable move, though Arsenal and Barcelona are also keen.

Leao is one of the best wingers in Italy, and Amorim’s Milan would want to collect £60m for his signature – a shrewd sum in today’s market.

Why Man Utd want a winger like Leao and Summerville

Manchester United have hardly rode the crest of a wave since Fergie’s decision to step down, but they have won silverware throughout, and adding a proven winner such as Leao to the fold could help Carrick restore United to their former position at the top of the Premier League pile.

Leao hasn’t always maintained the highest baseline at AC Milan, but he has undoubtedly shown first-class quality many times. He has been described as “one of the best left wingers in the world” by analyst Ben Mattinson.

Like Summerville, Leao is dynamic and versatile, naturally clinical in front of goal, albeit ebbing and flowing as a free-scoring threat, said to be “unstoppable” by Spain’s Nico Williams.

The Portugal international was converted into a centre-forward by Massimiliano Allegri last season, something that started off to an emphatic effect in Serie A, with the 26-year-old scoring nine goals across 23 games, creating ten big chances besides.

In a United team charged by a playmaker of Bruno Fernandes’ ability, he could hit far more prolific heights. Summerville could too, but United need to get their transfer strategy spot on, and Leao might just be cut from finer cloth.

Summerville is a talented young forward. He stood out for West Ham in the Premier League last season, even as they fell, and he has since backed those performances up with a terrific World Cup campaign with Oranje, albeit seeing his shot saved in the penalty shootout with Morocco in the last 32, ending his tournament.

But Leao would offer even more quality, a dynamic and versatile threat indeed. If United win this race, their chances of catching a big prize next year will increase, and then some.