Chelsea have been handed a huge boost in their mission to sign AC Milan star Rafael Leao. The 23-year-old was heavily linked with a switch to Stamford Bridge in the summer as Todd Boehly looked to bolster the club's frontline.
A move failed to materialise, but the Blues are said to be monitoring the winger's situation as he engages in talks with the Rossoneri over a new deal. Leao sees his contract at the San Siro expire in 2024 and he's believed to have a €150million (£130.5million) release clause.
According to Sky Italia, the Portugal international has recently changed his agent and this has thrown talks with Milan 'into turmoil'. The report adds that Leao is demanding wages of €9million to €10million (£7.8million to £8.7million) per-year.
READ MORE: Todd Boehly can sign perfect 'Didier Drogba heir' if Chelsea win £40m transfer race with Man Utd
It remains to be seen whether the Italian giants and the Portuguese star reach an agreement amid fresh complications, but Chelsea will be hoping to take advantage of the uncertainty that looms over his future at the club.
Leao has featured 12 times for Milan in the Serie A this season, directly contributing towards 10 goals. His impressive displays have continued to court the interest of Europe's biggest clubs and the Blues seem keen to do whatever it takes to win his signature amid prolonged interest.
But, after Leao failed to impress against Chelsea in the Champions League, Boehly has been warned against making an impulsive bid to sign Leao.
The winger failed to register a single goal contribution against the west Londoners. He often found himself suppressed by Reece James, who dominated Milan's left-wing - home and away. Speaking to BT Sport, Joe Cole cast doubt as to whether Leao ticks the boxes that a player of his value should fill.
The former Chelsea midfielder said: "Do you know what? For all of his talent and everything tonight, there will be scouts here, and there will be question marks on his attitude.
"He went like most of his teammates tonight. He went a bit limp against James. He didn't get his own way. First 20 minutes, he was loving life, chest out, he was running at players.
"Reece James put it on him a bit, and we watched his body language," added Cole, before reminding potential suitors that there is still time for Leao to elevate his game. "If you're going to spend £100million or whatever his price tag will be, you've got to tick all of the boxes. There's still some time left, and he is exciting."
READ NEXT:
Todd Boehly faces £100m question as Chelsea transfer problem laid bare by Manchester City
Chelsea and Tottenham face Premier League fixture chaos after Champions League dates confirmed
UEFA Champions League draw in full as Chelsea, Tottenham, Man City and Liverpool discover fate
Jude Bellingham set for Chelsea transfer audition as Graham Potter learns Champions League draw
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
