Rafael Leao, who is reported to be on the radars of several clubs across Europe, including Tottenham, has said that he is open to signing a new deal with AC Milan and confirmed that he will hold talks with the Serie A club after the World Cup.
Leao has understandably been one of the most talked about attacking talents ahead of the January transfer window, given his outstanding run of form for AC Milan over the last 18 months.
The winger has done his reputation no harm with his performances at the World Cup, scoring for Portugal in their 3-2 win over Ghana and looking extremely lively when he came on in the 69th minute in their 2-0 win over Uruguay.
Over the last several weeks, reports have indicated that Spurs, Manchester City and Chelsea are all eyeing Leao as an option ahead of the January transfer window (CalcioMercato.it) while Barcelona are also said to be admirers of the player (Relevo journalist Toni Juanmarti).
Corriere dello Sport reported last week that Milan are worried the former Lille star could make excessive salary demands if he continues to do well in Qatar. However, Leao has now insisted that his meetings with the Rossoneri hierarchy regarding his future were positive.
The 23-year-old told Gazzetta dello Sport: “I’m happy, proud, now I have to concentrate on the World Cup, then I will talk to Milan as soon as I arrive.
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“Do I want to sign the contract? Even before arriving in the national team we had a meeting with Maldini, it was positive, so when I arrive in Milan we will talk.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Even if Leao does not agree on a new contract with Milan and the Serie A club decide to sell him in January, I do not see Spurs paying the £60m-plus that it would take to sign the 24-year-old.
The Portuguese winger is at his best on the left – a position which both Son and Richarlison (and Perisic if needed) can play in. Besides, the bulk of Tottenham’s transfer budget is likely to be invested in a centre-back, a right wing-back and potentially an attacking midfielder.
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