Manchester City remain alongside Chelsea in the chase for Milan star Rafael Leão.
Last Friday, we covered a claim from Italy that the forward’s growth at the San Siro has seen the English champions take notice.
Later that day, Italian agent Massimo Brambati stated Chelsea are working to sign the 23-year-old. With the likes of the Blues and Manchester City after the star, his employer are working to secure his long-term future.
Milan chief Frederic Massara admitted on Monday that his side are confident to retain the Portugal international beyond his current deal, which expires in 2024. He made this claim at the Gran Galà del Calcio ceremony.
At the same event, the Serie A winners’ leaders have held talks with Leão’s father over a new deal. That’s according to Calciomercato, who state a new meeting is scheduled today to discuss the player’s renewal.
The ex-Lille man currently earns €1.5m annually and wants €7m to sign a new deal. At the moment, there is a difference of €2m between the two parties.
Apart from the salary, Milan must take care of his release clause, as Leão’s current buyout clause is at €150m and his camp want it to be reduced by €20-30m.
As Stefano Pioli’s side try to sort out the attacker’s renewal, they must also watch out for Chelsea and Manchester City, and it’s claimed the two Premier League sides are ‘always at the window’ to sign Leão.
Even if he signs a new deal at Milan with a lower release clause, Leão could be within the reach of both the Blues and Pep Guardiola’s side.
