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.
According to Calciomercato, Boehly is set to hold talks with higher-ups at Milan over a potential move for the Portugal international. Chelsea's clash with the Rossoneri was seen as a great opportunity to make contact.
Leao, who sees his deal in Italy expire in two years, played a crucial role in helping Milan win the Serie A last season and former Blues midfielder Cole is a big fan. Speaking on BT Sport, he said: "Oliver Giroud spoke about him, he was singing his praises, he was holding back in his comparisons to [Kylian] Mbappe.
"He's fast, athletic, can finish, a good student of the game, go off both feet, and he's one of them players that's courting everyone's interest. That finish [against Inter Milan last month], that's Thierry Henry-like."
Last month, director and former captain Paulo Maldini told Italian outlet La Gazzetta dello Sport, as quoted by Football Italia, that Leao is not 'unsellable', meaning that a move is somewhat on the cards.
"Rafa understands that the path for the next few years must be at Milan," Maldini said. "He understands it, and he says it.
"There will be a negotiation, and we know that strong players must be paid for their value. If the team improves further, he will have everything to do even more. Then, of course, nobody is unsellable in any team in the world."
Then, when asked if he's optimistic about Leao penning an extension at Milan, Maldini replied: "Yes, with him."
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