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Leeds United could grant Rafael Leao transfer wish but there's one major issue Rafael Leao continues to be linked with a move to Elland Road but Leeds United's chances of signing the player hinge on one particular factor Leeds United have a chance to give Rafael Leao exactly what he's looking for this summer. However, facilitating his Premier League dream would likely come at a cost that could be too great for Daniel Farke's side. The AC Milan forward has been repeatedly linked with a move to Elland Road during the summer transfer window. The likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Galatasaray have also been associated with the player in recent months but are yet to make good on their interest. It offers Leeds an opening that could be exploited to land a player hailed as one of Europe's elite in his position at times in recent years. The financial implications of funding a move for Leao at present could prove to be beyond Leeds' limitations, however, and the club is yet to register any kind of formal bid. Leao, 27, reportedly earns around £100,000 a week in Milan, with less than two years to go on the five-year contract he signed in 2023. That puts him among the Rossoneri's highest earners but it's likely the Portugal international would be seeking an increase on his next deal, which could be the most lucrative of his career. FOLLOW OUR LUFC FACEBOOK PAGE! Latest news, analysis and more on our Leeds United FB page To put that figure into context, new signing Tarik Muharemovic recently tied Dominic Calvert-Lewin as the club's joint-highest earner after he signed a £100,000-a-week deal. The top end of Leeds' wage bill has steadily crept up over the past year or so, with Sean Longstaff also on an elevated £80,000 a week. A large part of that is natural progression given Leeds can't expect to become an established Premier League power without paying top-flight wages. However, Leao's expectations for what he might deserve at his next club may still be outside the Whites' comfort zone. Leao has, for his part, already indicated he'd be happy for a move away from the San Siro this summer. Speaking at the end of last season, the Portugal attacker suggested he'd had his fill of Italian football and was ready for a new venture. "I need a new challenge," said Leao in June after Milan just missed out on Champions League qualification for next term. "I already won two trophies in Italy and have been there for a while." He went on to outline England as one of his preferred destinations suited to his style of play. Leao has been hailed for his ability to take opposition defenders on directly and is renowned for his capability in getting behind enemy lines, albeit lacking consistency in the more technical aspects at time. The Portuguese, who is supposedly valued at around £45million, continued: "The league (Serie A) is evolving, but for my style of football, I think the Premier League or La Liga would make more of my talent as a player." He's clearly motivated to brave the more challenging conditions of the Premier League. After all, Leao has referred to Manchester United icon Cristiano Ronaldo as an idol of his in the past and seemingly wishes to test himself in the same waters. Official premium experiences at Elland Road are available now for the 26/27 Premier League season. Make it easier than ever to turn a regular fixture into something genuinely unforgettable. However, Leeds must also take a pragmatic approach when it comes to a player like Leao. As much talent as the player has displayed in the past, it must be highlighted he hasn't been at the top of his game for several years now. Not only that but Leao has displayed a steady decline in goal output and the 10 goals he scored in all competitions last term was his lowest return since the 2020/21 campaign. Not exactly the kind of trend that screams out 'top earner'. It's not unfeasible Leao could accept a salary reduction, perhaps with certain lofty incentives included in his deal instead, to realise a move to Leeds. However, in the event he's unwilling to budge on his wage expectations, it may be best for all parties if Farke & Co look elsewhere.