Expert: Newcastle dealt blow to 'ambitious' transfer plan after Man United talks
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(Credit: Imago) Rafael Leao: Newcastle dealt blow to ‘ambitious’ transfer plan after Man United talks Wed 3 June 2026 6:30, UK Rafael Leao is highly unlikely to join Newcastle United this summer as they are unable to offer him European football despite their ambitious plans.The 26-year-old is believed to be high on Eddie Howe’s list of attacking targets, but interest from other top clubs in Europe have made any move difficult.Newcastle finished 12th in the Premier League table last time out and have missed out of qualification for European football in a significant blow to their plans.Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Newcastle will struggle to convince Leao and could face the same difficulties with other targets.While the club are still set to be an attractive proposition for transfer targets, rivals will have the edge in their pursuits ahead of a difficult summer for Newcastle. 🔄 Newcastle Transfer Update 🔄 Breaking news on deals in progress, signings, departures, and contract news from the Newcastle United boardroom. VISIT THE NEWCASTLE TRANSFER HUB MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES Could Newcastle make a move to sign Rafael Leao?Football Insider revealed on 29 May that AC Milan will accept offers for Leao, as he is expected to be available for a cut-price fee ahead of the summer window.Newcastle are one of a number of clubs believed to have been placed on alert over his availability, especially following Anthony Gordon’s big-money move to Barcelona.Rafael Leao2025-26 StatsAppearances31Starts25Minutes Played1968Goals10Assists3Rafael Leao’s stats for AC Milan in the 2025-26 season.
(via Transfermarkt)However, they may have to look elsewhere in their efforts to land a new winger, with the Portugal international likely to pursue a move to a club playing in Europe.“This summer is going to be difficult for Newcastle,” Brown told Football Insider.“Missing out on qualifying for Europe is going to make it very difficult for them to attract players, especially if they want to be ambitious and compete with other top clubs.“Rafael Leao is somebody who has been spoken about with a move to the Premier League for a long time, and it looks like that could happen this summer.“But when you look at the names being mentioned, Newcastle are on there with the likes of Man United, and that’s when things get tricky for them.“So if Newcastle and Man United both were to go in for him, Man United are going to win that race.“It’s a similar issue they’re going to face with keeping players, if clubs can offer the chance to play in the Champions League, most players are going to prioritise that.“There are clear positions in the squad that they want to improve, especially out wide now that Gordon has gone, but it’s not as easy as it seems.”Who is leading the race to sign Leao?Leao is growing increasingly likely to leave AC Milan this summer, with a feeling that his time at the San Siro may finally have come to an end.The 26-year-old has long been linked with a move to the Premier League and is believed to be keen to take the step with an exit from Seire A now on the cards.Credit: ImagoBrown told Football Insider in April that Man United have spoken to Leao’s representatives to assess what it would take to get a deal over the line. While United are not the only club interested, their recruitment team have been keeping a close eye on his performances in Serie A this season.As a result, they have stepped up attempts to bring him in, with Michael Carrick keen to add a left-winger to his squad when the transfer window opens.
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