Aston Villa were linked with a move for AC Milan forward Rafael Leao in the final days of the summer transfer window, according to a report published by Sport Witness on 25 August. The outlet stated that Villa had made contact regarding the Portugal international as the window approached its deadline.
Sport Witness claimed that AC Milan were keen to sell the 27-year-old throughout the summer and that his agent, Jorge Mendes, was exploring options in the Premier League. The report added that Newcastle United had also entered the picture late on.
Italian newspaper TuttoSport was cited as covering Leao's desire to leave Milan, where manager Ruben Amorim had reportedly excluded him from his plans. An exit would have freed up funds for further recruitment at the San Siro.
Galatasaray were also said to remain in contention. Because the Turkish transfer window closes three days after the English one, Sport Witness suggested the Istanbul club could use that extra time to submit a fresh offer.
The outlet noted that both Villa and Newcastle had been weakened in attack during the summer. It pointed to Ollie Watkins not featuring against Brighton as a factor behind Villa's reported interest in Leao as a possible replacement or upgrade.
With Milan described as desperate to move the player on, Sport Witness suggested an initial loan arrangement could have been explored, allowing either English club to assess his form before committing to a permanent transfer. Leao's performances during the 2025/26 campaign were described as below expectations.
The summer transfer window closed on 1 September, so no Premier League club can register a new signing until it reopens on 1 January 2027. Any reported interest from Villa or Newcastle will therefore remain unresolved until the new year at the earliest.
