Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United could reportedly step up their interest in AC Milan forward Rafael Leao during the summer transfer window.
The 24-year-old is regarded as a star player for the Rossoneri and has established himself as one of the best players in Serie A in recent seasons.
Since joining Milan from Lille in August 2019, Leao has made 189 appearances for the club across all competitions, scoring 49 goals and registering 42 assists.
The Portugal international was named Serie A Player of the Year following Milan's 2021-22 title-winning campaign in which he recorded 11 goals and 10 assists in 34 league games.
Leao then contributed with 16 goals and 15 assists in 48 matches across all tournament last season as Milan finished fourth in the Italian top-flight as well as reached the Champions League semi-finals, and he has since chipped in with six goals and six assists in 26 games this term.
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In June last year, Leao seemingly ended speculation over a big-money exit from San Siro when he committed his future to Milan by penning a new five-year contract until the summer of 2028.
However, a host of top European clubs are believed to still hold an interest in the forward, including Ligue 1 champions PSG and Premier League outfit Newcastle.
According to French news outlet Telefoot, PSG have put themselves into a 'concrete' position to bring Leao to the Parc des Princes in the summer.
The report adds that Leao has been made aware of the interest from PSG, and the forward is open to the idea of returning to France to link up with Luis Enrique's side.
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PSG sporting director Luis Campos is believed to be an admirer of Leao having previously recruited the forward to Lille in 2018 during his time with the French club.
Les Parisiens could face competition from Newcastle, though, as they are also said to be 'targeting' Leao this summer.
However, the Magpies' potential pursuit of Leao will likely depend on whether they can generate funds from player sales, as they are currently working within the constraints of the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules.
Several first-team players have been tipped to leave Newcastle either this month or in the summer, but manager Eddie Howe has insisted that he is keen to keep his group together for the second half of the campaign.
One standout name who could leave in the summer is midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, with one report claiming that PSG are ahead of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the race to sign the £100m-rated Brazilian.
Oliver Thomas
