The highly-rated Rafael Leao has indicated that he will sign a new contract at AC Milan, according to club technical director Paolo Maldini.
The winger is thought to be on the radar of several top European clubs, with Manchester City among those rumoured to have an interest. The 23-year-old netted 14 times in last season’s title-winning campaign and scored two goals for Portugal at the World Cup to add to the eight he has for his club this term.
Leao has 18 months left on his contract and Milan are keen to tie him down to another deal to quell the speculation around his future this summer. And club legend-turn-chief Maldini says he believes the youngster is willing to extend his stay at the San Siro.
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"As far as Leao is concerned , the situation is clear. We are talking, there are video calls and we don't have to meet in person," he told Mediaset. "We will try to arrive at a solution. Both sides seem to want it and now we want to try and get closure.
"As we have tried to do in the last year and a half where many things have happened: our will is there and that of the player seems to be there."
Leao admitted last month that he follows the Premier League and hinted that a future move could be on the cards, albeit recommitted himself to Milan. Speaking regarding a transfer away down the line, he said: "Experience in a new league?
"Yes, in the future - but now I’m 100 per cent focused on AC Milan. It’s a top club and I’m under contract there. I like the city too."
Leao has been linked frequently with Chelsea in recent months with United also in the picture. A January exit for the attacker is unlikely and United are opting to utilise the loan market to secure Wout Weghorst for the time being.
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