Newcastle United threaten to snatch Aston Villa’s last minute attacker move
Newcastle United threaten to snatch Aston Villa’s last minute attacker moveKaustubh Pandey
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Aston Villa have emerged as a late suitor for AC Milan’s Rafael Leao, and Newcastle United have appeared even later.AC Milan have been keen on selling the Portuguese throughout the summer. Turkish clubs have attempted to sign him but an agreement was never reached.Now, Aston Villa’s interest in the deal is rising and Sport Witness have covered that they have made contact to seal his signature. The move is far from done, with more details emerging about Leao’s future.Competition still lingeringAston Villa and Newcastle United are in the mix for Rafael LeaoAston Villa and Newcastle United are in the mix for Rafael LeaoTuesday’s print edition of TuttoSport covers the former Lille player, who has already revealed his desire to leave Milan. His exit will help the Rossoneri significantly, as they would then be able to make more signings for Ruben Amorim.Aston Villa and Milan have been in contact, with Unai Emery’s side exploring conditions for an agreement.Newcastle United are now in the picture. Jorge Mendes would be key behind this, as he explores Premier League options.At the same time, Galatasaray aren’t out of the race. The transfer window in Turkey closes three days after the one in England and Turkey. Gala can take advantage of this and are already looking to make a new offer for the Portugal international.Our take: Something has to moveRafael LeaoMilan, Leao and Mendes are desperate for a move. Amorim has excluded the 27-year-old from his project and something now has to move in the market.Both Aston Villa and Newcastle United have been weakened in an attacking sense this summer. Emery’s side could yet lose Ollie Watkins, who didn’t feature against Brighton. Leao would come in as a viable replacement and if things go right, he could even be an upgrade.Interestingly for the two clubs, there is a chance they can get a discount in the deal. They can take advantage of Milan’s desperation to possibly execute an initial loan deal.Leao didn’t have a great 2025/26 campaign and assessing his performances this season before making a permanent move would make a lot of sense.
