Newcastle United, not Liverpool are currently the team most determined to land AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.
That’s according to La Repubblica, who claim that the Magpies and French Champions PSG are showing the most interest in the 22-year-old.
The reported Liverpool transfer target has two years to run on his current deal, but Milan have set a ‘ceiling’ for any new deal which may disrupt negotiations.
For their part, both Newcastle and PSG are reportedly ready to quadruple Leao’s current wages to tempt him away from Italy.
Leao making waves in Milan
Leao has previously been reported as being of interest to Liverpool. According to Calciomercato back in March, the player’s exploits for Milan had ‘not gone unnoticed’ by The Reds.
It was claimed that Liverpool, along with Atletico Madrid, would be interested in signing him this summer.
All this goes to paint the picture of a player who is being courted by some of the best clubs around.
Rewind 12 months and that wouldn’t have been the case. But Leao has improved again for Milan this season and has been one of the key reasons they now find themselves top of Serie A with three games to go.
The Portugal international has shone on the left-hand side. His pace and physical presence make him a difficult proposition for defenders and he has managed to hit double figures for goals for the first time in his career.
His good displays led to manager Stefano Pioli calling him ‘extraordinary’ via stadiumastro and even likening him to Thierry Henry.
With those kind of lofty comparisons, it remains to be seen if Milan can keep him out of the clutches of wealthier clubs. Entering the final two years of his deal, this summer could give us the answer.