United’s 20 y/o target sees release clause lowered from €100m to €18m to ensure he seals January move

SANTOS, BRAZIL - JULY 23: Marcos Leonardo of Santos celebrates after scoring the team's second goal during the match between Santos and Botafogo as part of Brasileirao Series A 2023 at Urbano Caldeira Stadium (Vila Belmiro) on July 23, 2023 in Santos, Brazil. (Photo by Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images)

Manchester United have learnt the price they’ll have to pay if they want to acquire sought-after talent Marcos Leonardo’s signature in January. 

The 20-year-old’s agent confirmed this month that Leonardo would be going all-out in hopes of sealing a winter move to Europe, with the likes of United, Arsenal and Newcastle United all keen on bringing him to the Premier League.

Leonardo was primed to leave Santos last summer but promised to stay, see out the campaign and help secure a respectable finish in the league. Now that he is looking to take his talents elsewhere, the Brazilian club have rewarded his commitment by lowering his release clause from €100 million to just €18m to ensure he gets the move his heart desires.

Such information has been circulating in Brazil and relayed by Jorge Nicola, who adds that Leonardo had made a deal with Santos’ president Andres Rueda to warrant his impending departure.

Reds eyeing forward addition

Whether or not the Red Devils will throw their name into the mix and ignite a pursuit remains to be seen. Reports suggest that they are keen on adding another attacker to help ease the goalscoring burden on Rasmus Hojlund, and Leonardo netted 21 goals across 2022/2023 in all competitions, so is certainly qualified to do the job.

Outside of England, Real Madrid, Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma are keeping tabs on the youngster’s situation.

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