Barcelona are considering SHOCK £77m move for AC Milan winger Rafael Leao

Barcelona are reportedly interested in signing AC Milan winger Rafael Leao following the difficulties in Nico Williams' deal.

The Catalans have been seeking for an alternative over the past few weeks after the Spain and Athletic Bilbao star made it clear that he would stay at his current club for another year.

The Euro 2024 winner had his doubts about Barcelona's financial situation throughout the entire summer transfer window, although President Joan Laporta assured fans that they could afford such a deal back in July.

With Williams back in training and with a new No 10 on his back, Blaugrana are considering signing other players.

According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are aiming to make a significant signing before the end of the summer transfer window, both in terms of sporting impact and media attention, with AC Milan's Rafael Leao emerging as their primary target.

The development comes amidst the reports that Blaugrana's midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has informed the club of his desire to leave, after his new boss Hansi Flick told the player he is no longer a guaranteed starter.

The former Germany international is believed to attract interest from his former club, Manchester City, as well as from Turkey and Saudi Arabia sides.

At the same time, the Catalans found themself in a delicate financial situation, leading the club to consider the exit of a key player like Gundogan, who reportedly earns around €20m-a-year (£17m-a-year).

The reports detail Leao's deal as complicated, but the player is considered President Laporta's favourite option for the left wing, reinforced by the fact that his agent is Jorge Mendes, a well-known ally of the Catalans.

The famous super-agent is known to have several clients in Barcelona, including Ansu Fati, Alejandro Balde, youngster Lamine Yamal and former loanee Joao Cancelo.

Mendes is expected to help the club sign Leao - valued between £70million and £80million - whose contract with AC Milan was renewed in June 2023.

The Portuguese international was linked with a departure from the Rossoneri over the last year, leading to boos from the crowd back in May.

Mundo Deportivo has confirmed that the 25-year-old player is ready for a change in his career and sees a top club such as Barcelona as his next destination.

However, it is believed that Leao's signing would significantly surpass Williams' release clause of £43million, with both clubs exploring the option of including other players in the deal.

Blaugrana do not rule out selling first-team players, with names such as Frenkie de Jong, Ferran Torres and Raphinha constantly emerging in the news.

The Netherlands international remains a top target by Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag after the pair previously worked during their successful time at Ajax.

Meanwhile, it was reported that former Manchester City winger Ferran Torres could be headed for a surprise return to the Premier League as Newcastle prepare an official deal offer for the Spaniard.

While Barcelona are waiting for several players to leave, including Clement Lenglet, Vitor Roque and Mikayil Faye, they are also keeping an eye on some more affordable wingers.

Juventus' Federico Chiesa and Kingsley Coman, who met Flick during his time at Bayern Munich, are on their wish list.