Paris Saint-Germain have reportedly identified AC Milan forward Rafael Leao as a potential replacement for Lionel Messi.
Messi, who has recorded 29 goals and 32 assists in 66 games across two seasons with the Ligue 1 giants, is facing an uncertain future at the Parc des Princes as his contract is due to expire at the end of the season.
The 35-year-old has been strongly linked with a return to Barcelona, with one report claiming that the Catalan club have emerged as 'clear favourites' to re-sign the legendary forward despite their well-documented financial problems.
In addition, Barcelona president Joan Laporta has recently stated that the "doors are open" for Messi to return to Camp Nou ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
"Messi knows that Barca's doors are open to him. We will see. I have to find a way to improve the current relationship between Messi and Barca," Laporta told YouTube channel The Business and Money Behind Sports.
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"The legacy I found when I became president was not a good one and I had to make a decision that I am not happy with.
"Messi is the best player in history. He has been the most important player in Barca's history. I have to be very careful what I say. Messi is a PSG player and I have to have respect. Leo knows that we have him in our hearts. He is part of our shield."
A potential move to the MLS has also been mooted for Messi, amid interest from Inter Miami, and should the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner decide against extending his contract in Paris, Calciomercato claims that PSG will consider a summer swoop for Milan star Leao.
The report adds that PSG advisor Luis Campos intends to work on the pursuit of the Portugal international in the "coming weeks".
Leao has been heavily linked with a move away from San Siro, with the likes of Manchester United, Manchester City, Chelsea and Real Madrid all said to be interested in his services.
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Milan are keen to extend his contract beyond the summer of 2024, but the Serie A giants could be forced to cash in on the forward as they are allegedly struggling to make progress in contract negotiations.
Leao is said to be demanding an annual salary of around €7.5m (£6.6m), but Milan are only prepared to offer around €6m (£5.3m) per year plus bonuses at present.
It remains to be seen whether the 23-year-old would be interested in returning to France, having previously played for Lille in the 2018-19 campaign before joining Milan for around €35m.
Leao has established himself as a key player for the Rossoneri, scoring 36 goals and providing 31 assists in 150 appearances across all tournaments, and was voted the Serie A Player of the Year last season.
Oliver Thomas
