NEWCASTLE are eyeing a move for AC Milan and Portugal forward Rafael Leao, according to reports.
Profit and sustainability rules mean Eddie Howe’s men are restricted when it comes to their transfer business in the January window.
Rafael Leao could be set to leave AC Milan in the summerGetty
But they are already planning a summer spending spree as they monitor exciting playmaker Leao, 24.
According to Telefoot, Newcastle are “targeting” the forward – who is under contract until 2028.
However, they face an almighty tussle with Paris Saint-Germain to secure his signature.
The Ligue 1 champions are understood to have “concretely positioned themselves” to bring Leao in.
Leao was also recently made aware of PSG’s interest and is said to be open to a move to the French capital.
PSG hold an advantage over Newcastle in the form of sporting director Luis Campos.
The 59-year-old brought Leao to Lille in 2018 and “knows the player very well”.
This looks to have solidified PSG’s position as the frontrunners to sign the Portugal international – who has 23 caps for his country.
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Leao has scored 49 goals and assisted 42 in 189 appearances for AC Milan since arriving in 2019.
He won the Serie A title with the club in 2022 – their first scudetto in 11 years.
But this season they are eight points adrift of bitter rivals Inter Milan having played a game more.
Stefano Pioli’s men have also dropped down to the Europa League after finishing below Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain in their Champions League group.