Chelsea ‘handed boost in pursuit of Milan forward Leao as talks on a new contract hit an impasse’

Chelsea ‘handed boost in pursuit of Milan forward Leao as talks on a new contract hit an impasse’

Chelsea ‘handed boost in pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao as talks on a new contract hit an impasse after Italian club balked at his demand for over £6m-a-year’

Chelsea have reportedly received a boost in their pursuit of AC Milan forward Rafael Leao.

Talks over a new contract have hit an impasse after the Italian club balked at his demand for over £6m-a-year to remain at the San Siro, according to Corriere dello Sport.

Leao also wants the Serie A club to contribute towards the £14m he was ordered to pay former club Sporting Lisbon by the Portuguese Super Court for breaching his contract four years ago.

The move has cast doubt over his future at the club.

Leao had been linked with a move to Premier League big-spenders Chelsea on transfer deadline day.

The Blues had been in talks with their Italian counterparts in a bid to thrash out a deal, and it is understood that they offered the Serie A champions €80million (69m) for Leao.

However, Milan technical director Paulo Maldini was not happy with this proposal, though, and wanted Chelsea to pay Leao’s €150m (£130m) release clause in full, as reported by The Times journalist Duncan Castles.

Milan head coach Stefano Pioli insisted the Rossoneri are determined to tie the in-demand forward to a new deal.

Leao scored twice and provided an assist for Olivier Giroud in their recent 3-2 victory over city rivals Inter.