Newcastle United prepare for summer transfer battle with PSG amid €175m winger 'interest'

Newcastle United are reportedly eyeing up the possibility of a summer move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao. In their efforts to remain compliant with the Premier League's financial rules, Newcastle have struggled to secure the required additions in the January transfer window.

However, departures could free up more room to spend in the summer for the Magpies and they are already being linked with several names. Rafael Leao can now be added to that list, with French outlet Telefoot reporting that Newcastle could be willing to rival Paris Saint-Germain for the Serie A attacker.

The report suggests PSG are starting to prepare their summer push for the Portugal international and the player has been made aware of the club's desire to sign him. Newcastle are also said to be circling, though, and the two clubs could well find themselves competing for his signature.

The speculation comes despite the fact Leao signed a new deal with Milan in June last year, which was said to include a short-term release clause of €175m valid until the end of July.

Of course, Newcastle got a good look at Leao earlier in the season as he started for Milan against the Magpies twice in the Champions League group stages. Despite bagging six goals and six assists in all competitions, though, this hasn't been his most prolific campaign with the Rossoneri, with his form in front of goal dipping.

Last season Leao managed to further establish himself as one of the most potent players in Serie A as he hit the back of the net 15 times and claimed 10 assists. The 24-year-old has scored 49 goals in total for the Italian giants with 42 assists to boot.

Leao has managed to establish himself in the Portugal national team, too, and he currently has 23 caps under his belt.