Manchester United are keeping tabs on the situation of Marcos Leonardo following Santos’ shock relegation from the Brazilian top-flight, according to R7.
The 20-year-old is considered as one of the best young centre-forwards in Brazilian football and he had an impressive 2023 campaign with 21 goals from 50 appearances.
Leonardo had the opportunity to leave Santos during the summer, but he was persuaded to stay in the end as the club were involved in a relegation battle in Serie A.
Despite his efforts, Santos failed to avoid relegation for the first time in their history and it is now claimed that he does not want to stay with the club beyond January.
Santos are likely to grant him an exit and R7 claim that United are monitoring his situation. However, they may need to act fast with Arsenal preparing a €17 million bid to sign him.
United may give preference to Guirassy over Leonardo
Leonardo managed to score 21 goals for a second-straight season for Santos. He also starred for the Brazil at the Under-20 World Cup with five goals from five caps.
The next step for his development would be to move to European football. United have been linked with him for some time, but we don’t feel they will make a proposal.
The Red Devils splashed the cash to sign 20-year-old Rasmus Hojlund from Atalanta last summer. The Dane has five Champions League goals but has yet to score in the Premier League.
Hojlund’s inexperience has been visible in recent weeks and Leonardo would fall into the same category.
United may want an experienced figure to lead the line for them. They could prefer a deal for Stuttgart’s Serhou Guirassy, who has scored a stunning 18 goals from 14 games this season.
The 27-year-old has a low release clause of just €17.5 million in his contract and he is said to be flattered by the interest from United. He could make an instant and better impact in our view.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
