Wilcox is in talks to sign the £60m Man Utd winger

Manchester United are among the most decorated clubs in world football, but since Sir Alex Ferguson retired 13 years ago, they have failed to win any of the show's biggest awards.

Whisper it loud, quietly, but the Red Devils are heading for that long-lost spot under Michael Carrick's management, showing certainly since the sacking of the much-maligned Ruben Amorim in January that they have the quality to go down with the best in the Premier League.

They may have come in leaps and bounds, but Old Trafford has seen false dawns before, and the lack of progress so far in the transfer market will heighten fears that United's trip to Carrick could be called off before the start of the season.

Of course, Ederson is on the way, and INEOS are eyeing several new players to bolster this title-challenging squad.

Man United are in talks to sign a new player

Can Manchester United challenge for silverware in the Premier League and Champions League next season? That should be the goal, especially if Jason Wilcox and his team of suits pull off the right moves this summer.

United need a midfielder or two, but they also need more firepower in attack. Recent scouting talks with West Ham over a move for Crysencio Summerville underline where the Old Trafford side are currently focused.

Summerville has been proven by Prem and is within reach now that the Hammers have dropped into the Championship. However, he only scored five goals last season, and whether he will carry the weight in thia United team remains to be seen.

According to TEAMtalk, Rafael Leao is very much on Manchester United's radar this summer, with INEOS hoping to beat Tottenham Hotspur in the race for the Portuguese midfielder.

United have been contacted by their agent, Jorge Mendes, who want to find a new club for the 27-year-old player, who is determined to change places this summer. It won't be easy, but this is a manageable move, although Arsenal and Barcelona are also keen.

Leao is one of the best players in Italy, and Amorim's Milan would want to pony up £60m for his signature – a smart sum in today's market.

Why Man Utd want a defender like Leao and Summerville

Manchester United have not been able to ride the wave since Fergie's decision to resign, but they have won silverware every time, and adding a winner like Leao could help Carrick return United to their former position at the top of the Premier League pile.

Leao hasn't always been a mainstay at AC Milan, but he has undoubtedly shown first-class quality on numerous occasions. He has been described by commentator Ben Mattinson as “one of the best left-backs in the world”.

Like Summerville, Leao is strong and versatile, naturally clinical in front of goal, although he jumps and flows like a goal-scoring threat, described as “unstoppable” by Spain's Nico Williams.

The Portuguese was transformed into a front-runner by Massimiliano Allegri last season, which has had a major impact in Serie A, with the 26-year-old scoring nine goals in 23 games, creating ten big chances in addition.

In a United team charged with a player of Bruno Fernandes' ability, he could reach even greater heights. Summerville can too, but United need to find a place for their transfer strategy, and Leao may just be cut from fine cloth.

Summerville is a talented young striker. He was a standout for West Ham in the Premier League last season, despite their collapse, and has backed that up with a poor World Cup campaign with Oranje, although his shot survived a penalty shoot-out against Morocco in the last 32, ending his campaign.

But Leao will provide more quality, a truly dynamic and versatile threat. If United win this race, their chances of grabbing next year's top prize will increase, and then some.