Carrasco drawing interest from top English, Italian sides

Yannick Carrasco is courting attention from both the Premier League and Serie A, according to recent reports.

Newcastle United want the Belgian as they continue to rebuild under their new Saudi Arabian owners. Meanwhile, Serie A champions AC Milan have picked Carrasco as their preferred replacement should Rafael Leão leave the club this summer.

Atlético Madrid have inserted a €60 million release clause into Carrasco’s contract, but according to Diario AS, they would be willing to accept €50 million for one of their best attackers last season.

And with sporting director Andrea Berta ruling out big signings this summer, the windfall from a Carrasco sale would help Atlético reinvest money in more-problematic areas of the squad.

Newcastle and Atlético have recently done transfer business, with the Kieran Trippier sale concluded in January. Eddie Howe’s side will look to benefit from further investment this summer after managing to stave off relegation last season.

Photo by Alex Livesey - Danehouse/Getty Images

Some less-credible reports say Atlético have singled out Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling as Carrasco’s potential replacement. These are claims from the Daily Mail, who only say that Atlético “have been namechecked.”

A potential Sterling deal would surely be out of Atlético’s budget this summer. He has a deal until 2023 and his wages at the Premier League champions would be well beyond Atlético.

Carrasco has played 219 games for Atlético across two stints. He moved to Dalian Professional for two years before returning to Spain’s capital, where he has been one of SImeone’s most-convincing attacking options. The 28-year-old has two years to run on his current contract and doesn’t feel the need to move, as he is a vital part of Simeone’s side and feels comfortable at the club.