Joe Cole has showered Chelsea target Rafael Leao with praise ahead of the Blues' Champions League group stage clash with AC Milan at Stamford Bridge. The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a move to west London in the summer as Thomas Tuchel looked to bolster his side's frontline.
And, even after the German's sacking, Chelsea are said to be still monitoring the winger's situation at the San Siro as talks over a new deal with the Rossoneri continue. According to The Times, Todd Boehly was working on a deal to sign Leao and enquired about the possibility of including 'one or more' players in a player-plus-cash swap deal.
However, a deal failed to materialise. With the transfer window now shut, Milan have stepped up their efforts to retain the Portugal international, and the west Londoners are said to be keen to test the Italian giants' resolve.
