Author: Soorya
Brazilian youngster Marcos Leonardo has attracted concrete interest from Serie A side Lazio, if the reports are true. The U-20 star was already on the radar of several major clubs around the world even before his impressive performance at the U-20 World Cup, and his stock has only risen since then. Lazio are expected to make a formal inquiry to Santos about the Brazilian.
The Italians will offer a sum of around 10 million euros (Santos want 13 million euros) to close the deal, as they are looking for a successor to veteran defender Ciro Immobile. Although Lazio’s interest is indeed serious, the deal is still in the early stages, with no agreement between the parties involved. Sources close to the player insist that there has been no agreement on personal terms either.
Leonardo has been approached by several European clubs, including Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon and Europa League finalists AS Roma. English giants Manchester United have also expressed their interest in the player, as they assess the options open to them in an attempt to sign a center forward.
Manchester United approached Spurs to buy Harry Kane, but the Londoners’ stubbornness led United to pull out of the deal. They are also keeping tabs on Atalanta’s Danish striker Rasmus Hojlund and Leonardo is Erik Ten Hag’s alternative if the deal doesn’t go through. Manchester United are also strongly linked with Victor Osimhen, but the Nigerian’s price could become a problem.
Due to the legal sanctions that Santos is suffering in relation to Corinthians, the São Paulo team is interested in selling Leonardo and is trying to get the best deal possible. The 10 to 13 million euros that the team could get from the transfer will be a great help in strengthening the squad. The Brazilian’s sell-on clause is also being negotiated, as Santos want 15% of the value of Leonardo’s future sale.