Liverpool and Barcelona are set to enter a financial battle for the services of AC Milan striker Rafael Leao. During the winter transfer window, the Italian club were informed by Barcelona of the Spaniards' desire to open talks with Leao for a possible transfer at the end of the season. The Portuguese is one of the Rossoneri's most important players, but Milan may be forced to let go of the player, especially if the team fails to qualify for the UEFA Champions League next season.
At the same time, Liverpool have also expressed their interest in the Portuguese star. The English will be more inclined to make a concrete offer, in case Luis Diaz leaves Anfield at the end of the season. Both Barcelona and Liverpool can offer the striker Champions League football, a very important objective for the player himself. Barcelona's financial situation is somewhat more complicated than that of the English, but the Catalans are determined to make major investments in the upcoming transfer market.
But what will the transfer cost of Leao be if he decides to leave San Siro? The player has a release clause of 175 million euros, but Milan are willing to accept 100 million euros for his services. In addition to Leao, French defender Theo Hernandez also seems to be on the verge of leaving. The latter has attracted the attention of Real Madrid, where he has previously played, as well as Manchester City.
Paris Saint-Germain have also been one of the clubs most interested in Leao, but the French side brought in Khvicha Kvaratskhelia from Napoli in the January transfer window and appear to no longer need an attacking winger. However, interest in Leao remains high among many European clubs.
